It’s that time of year again when we ask local orchardists, gardeners and green-thumbed enthusiasts to support the Kelowna Community Food Bank’s "Plant a Row Grow a Row" program.

This year, Pacific Northwest Seeds has generously donated seeds to support this important initiative, enabling gardeners to pick up free seeds when they register for the program.

Studies show that produce and perishable food items are the first dietary requirement to be cut from food purchases when the household budget is reduced, shifting purchases to low-cost, highly-processed foods. "Plant a Row Grow a Row" encourages gardeners to plant an extra row of fruits and/or vegetables in their gardens and donate the harvest to the Food Bank. The program has been very successful over the years, bringing in a total of more than 38,000 pounds of fresh produce to the Kelowna Community Food Bank since its inception in 2004.

Once again, the City of Kelowna parks department has partnered with the Food Bank to promote this initiative. Donors to "Plant a Row Grow a Row" will be eligible to enter a draw with a chance to win one of five hanging flower baskets.

In addition to producing flowers, fruits and vegetables, our gardens give us a place to be alone with our thoughts. They offer a sense of tranquility where the stresses of the day seem to crumble away along with the dirt under our hands. If you can, let this be inspiration to grow a row for the Kelowna Community Food Bank - use your garden to reach out to your local community and give help to where it is truly needed.

To register for the "Plant A Row Grow A Row" program, call Lenetta at
763-7161.