Staff Report

ROCKFORD — University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will be promoting “Plant-a-Row for the Hungry” by giving away vegetable and herb seeds to gardeners from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 18, at five area garden centers and other locations.

Gardeners are welcome to take a packet of seeds, plant them, care for it, and donate back a portion to a food pantry, or a person or family coping with hunger.

Following are the five Plant-a Row sites.

Cherry Valley Garden Center – 104 Enders Drive, Cherry Valley

Didier’s – 4601 W. State Street, Rockford

Rock Valley Greenhouse – 785 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Talcott Free Library – 101 E. Main St., Rockford

Wayne’s Feed – 3435 Auburn Street, Rockford

Plant-a-Row for the Hungry is a national effort to raise awareness of community hunger. U of I Extension Master Gardener volunteers encourage area gardeners to grow an extra row of tomatoes, zucchini, peas, cucumbers and more with the intention of donating the extra produce to area pantries. Most vegetable gardeners have more than they can eat. The availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to families struggling with hunger makes a huge impact on the quality of life for resident families, children and elderly.

U of I Extension has eight drop off sites that accept garden produce for Plant-a-Row for the Hungry. Information about the program dates, location hours and the drop off locations are available on the Extension website at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or call 815-986-4357.