Sussex County Board of Agriculture PLANT A ROW for the Hungry

SUSSEX COUNTY BOARD OF ARICULTURE SOWS SEEDS OF RELIEF AGAINST LOCAL HUNGER

Sussex County NJ  

The Sussex County Board of Agriculture (SCBOA) formally launches the local PLANT A ROW effort just as planting season gets underway in Northwest NJ. The Sussex County Board of Agriculture is a not for profit organization representing and advocating issues affecting agriculture locally as well as  on a broader stage. The organization  adopted the PLANT A ROW for the Hungry public service campaign in early spring. Approximately fifty visitors to the SpringFest Flower and Garden Show pledged their participation in PLANT A ROW at that event.  This initial wave of participation pledges is expected to grow as The Sussex County Board of Agriculture launches an online component of the program.

Utilizing their robust forum (www.sussexcountyboardofagriculture.org)and social media outreach Twitter: SCBoardofAg, participation is just a click away. Upon making the pledge to PLANT A ROW, participants receive a printable ID card, showing their participation. This ID card can be used when making donations at the suggested  food distribution sites listed on the SCBOA forum and for receiving special rewards at participating locations announced throughout the campaign (May through October 2010). The SCBOA site will feature Gardening Tips, "Garden Variety recipes" and a rich resource of information intended to make pledging, participating and connecting an easy experience.

Board President, Dave Klemm is a strong supporter of the PAR initiative. " Part of our (SCBOA) mission is to act as the local source for agricultural information. Our website is a great way to share what we as farmers do, what we know and to learn from each other. Through Plant A Row for the Hungry we hope to help people better understand how food is produced and to encourage folks to join the long standing tradition of farmers who share their crop harvest with local food pantries and food banks. We're inviting everyone who has a garden-or even a patio planter-to be part of this program and to connect with our local Ag community."

PLANT A ROW for the HUNGRY (PAR) is receiving support from farmers, Agri-Businesses, local organizations and media who are partnering with SCBOA members and volunteers. Dandelion Creative, www.ddlcreative.com is happy to donate marketing and creative services to assist in the cause. The unite goal is to tangibly impact the growing need for food services in the community by adding fresh fruits and vegetables to the mix of foods available to those needing food assistance.

Former NJ Secretary of Agriculture, SCBOA member and owner of Kuperus Farmside Garden, Sussex NJ led the charge in bringing this campaign to life. As acting Secretary, Kuperus had madeit a priority to address the issues of hunger in the Garden State.  "My hope is that PLANTING A ROW for the HUNGRY will become second nature to the many gardeners in beautiful Sussex County and beyond. The need is there. Together we can make an impact-it's a simple concept that can really can make a difference." Kuperus said.

Pictured here, Kuperus seeds trays of Ramapo
Tomatos-a beef steak like tomato. Kuperus Farmside Gardens 
will offer one free plant to PAR participants presenting
their pledge card. (Offer good while supplies last)

Plant A Row for the Hungry was developed by the Garden Writer's Association in 1995. The message is simple- Hunger is a concern to one in eight American families- farmers and gardeners have a long tradition of sharing their harvest- by organizing the effort to share harvest with neighbors in need, we can take a "bite our of hunger'. Plant A Row for the Hungry is a national campaign with participation in 48 states including central and south Jersey.

The SCBOA /PLANT A ROW / PAR campaign in the first in the Northwestern section of the Garden State and a first- of- its- kind promotional campaign undertaken by a County Board of Agriculture.

For more information on PLANT A ROW partnership or sponsorship
contact N Hreha-Director of Marketing and Outreach
Sussex County Board of Agriculture
info@ddlcreative.com