Aging Council renews ‘plant a row’

The Council on Aging and Human Services encourages gardeners this year to plant an extra row for community food banks and senior meals sites. Suzy McNeilly, volunteer coordinator, notes many seniors do not get enough fresh fruits and vegetables in their diets. Five servings a day is recommended, but often fresh produce is too expensive for those on a tight budget.

“The Plant a Row for the Hungry” program encourages donations from home gardeners.

Seniors, who are no longer able or capable of gardening, are very grateful for the fresh produce. It provides an opportunity to reminisce about their gardens and canning adventures of the past, and provides a nutritious supplement to their meals, McNeilly noted.

Anyone wishing to donate produce may do so by bringing it to the Council on Aging & Human Services office at 210 S. Main Street between 8:30 and 4:30, Monday through Friday.

Produce donated over the past years has included apples, prunes, peaches, potatoes, green beans, zucchini, squash, onions, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, beets, cucumbers, corn, cabbage and even chili peppers.

The council cannot accept donations of home canned goods, but will accept canning jars and new lids.