is anyone involed with Plant a row for the hungry?

I just heard about this and was wondering what people thought about it?

Heres a link if its new to you too.
http://www.gardenwriters.org/gwa.php?p=par/index.html

I had heard about it but this year the rain got the best of me and my garden. I usually do give my extras to neighbors anyway, they dont have a lot but they do have a finishing mower so its kind of like a trade for use of it. I plant tomotoes even though I dont like them and give them away.

Being I live day by day, I would instead of planting a row for the hungry, I would let the hungry plant a row here for themselves.

I don't want to be mean but I watch these guys sit under a tree all day and drink. One at a time a guy stands in the intersection with a sign about how hungry they are.

They make more money then I do! Later on the soup kitchen opens across the Highway. They all go eat the free food then go back and spend the money on beer and smokes!

I say make people work for what they get, they are down and out but just giving them stuff don't help. They need to earn it, yes help but don't just hand them stuff.

Joe

I think highly of it since I already plant more than I need wash it ..bag it ..and give the extra to the food bank

it brings me a great feeling to know my extra produce is being used to enhance someones life and health

we have a horrific unemployment rate all over now.. and people who were never unemployed or using a food bank are using it now and while I understand how Joe feels and empathise I also know folks who are working and can not pay bills can barely keep a roof over their head let alone buy healthy food.

I work with a girl who is literally $20 a week over the max to get food stamps and she works her butt off to feed her kids and is forced to use the food banks often

There are also some very seriously mentally ill people who can not earn a living out there on the streets because we have no programs to help them

so yes I think it is a good program while I understand what Joe is saying I do believe the majority of the people needing food right now are not the guys whith signs they are families struggling very hard in this time who have room or time to garden so I do not mind planting extra for them


PS I have offered to teach a victory garden type class and help with community pea patches ..so maybe that is another way folks can help others less fortunate

there are always going to be "bums" but there are true hungry in this country ...very hungry ..homeless and helpless people that is what these things are for

My income for 2008 was $1500. My income for 2009 $0.00

I am not kidding!

Oh, that's right, I sold lovebirds this year; so I made a total of $100 this year.

Ron

However, I share whatever I grow...In abundance! Now, because of my Poop-connections, I am able to share poop! If you knock on my door and ask to be fed I will feed you, but I will also get you out in the garden for a bit! LOL I am with you on this Joe!

There is a shelter for woman & kids getting out of abusive relationships near us i was thinking of donating eggs and food too. They have a foster program for their pets as well. Can't help with that now but someday i will. Maybe i could start a program to teach them to garden and let them know they can fend for themselves. There's a half way house for inmates just released as well. My church is involved with that one.

Greensage45 said:

My income for 2008 was $1500. My income for 2009 $0.00

I am not kidding!

Oh, that's right, I sold lovebirds this year; so I made a total of $100 this year.

Ron

However, I share whatever I grow...In abundance! Now, because of my Poop-connections, I am able to share poop! If you knock on my door and ask to be fed I will feed you, but I will also get you out in the garden for a bit! LOL I am with you on this Joe!

Click to expand...

Yikes! Glad you know how to take care of yourself.

I think the bottom line is sharing however you can if you do not want to donate to the anonymous "hungry" that is fine

I am very happy to give whatever I have to the local food banks because I send my patients there when they are struggling and the majority of folks who do show up there are not the "bums" that sit on the corners with signs. Do I give them anything ever? NOT!

and I do also believe the Plant a Row for the Hungry is a great project

but to each his own

I feed my friends well and if someone amongst us is struggling then I cook extra freeze it and send it over

but the extra produce I have goes to the food bank because there is a need and I can fill it now

who knows what the future holds

good luck to all who are struggling this economy sucks!