Plant a Row aids food banks in helping poor

Mary Kroening won’t be eating any of the vegetables planted in the last row of her garden. Instead, as part of the nationwide program Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign, Kroening’s green peppers will help feed people in need.

Through the campaign, Missouri gardeners contribute several hundred thousand pounds of produce each year by planting a few extra plants each season, Kroening, MU Extension Master Gardener program coordinator, said.

“Missouri traditionally has been one their largest donors,” she said.

The fresh produce is greatly appreciated by the Central Missouri Food Bank especially since produce usually makes up only 2 percent of the 18 million pounds of food, Peggy Kirkpatrick, executive director, said. She said the donated food is distributed to 142 shelters, soup kitchens and other relief organizations throughout the area.

Kirkpatrick said all produce is accepted for donations. She added that some vegetables such as corn on the cob, green beans and broccoli stay fresh longer than other items like ripe tomatoes.

MU dietician students offer suggestions on how to use various produce as part of a partnership between the university and the food bank, Nikki Raedeke, MU dietetics program director, said. Kirkpatrick said the recipes offer ideas on how to cook less common vegetables such as eggplant, squash and zucchini.

Raedeke said Row for the Hungry helps people in need get the necessary ingredients for a healthy diet.

“They’re not typically getting the recommended number of fruits and vegetables per day,” Raedeke said.

Kirkpatrick said persons interested in participating in the campaign can drop off produce at the nearest food pantry or soup kitchen.

“I always try to encourage people to get involved on the closest level with people in poverty,” Kirkpatrick said.

For more information, call the Central Missouri Food Bank at 474-1020 or 800-764-3663.