Thank you for your interest in the Grow a Row Program.  I wanted to take a moment to welcome you to Grow a Row 2011 and tell you more about the program and our exciting upcoming events!  

The Grow a Row project allows gardeners to help others in an innovative way while helping themselves by growing their own food. This national initiative began in 1986 in Winnipeg and has grown to include over 85 communities across Canada. The premise is simple - plant an extra row of vegetables to give to those in need!

Here in Victoria, we are all aware of growing rates of poverty and homelessness. Many of us are also aware of growing concern around food security and the safety and transportation of our food. As a result, more and more people are turning to their backyards and community gardens to grow their own food.

In the second year of the Grow-A-Row project, the program will be expanding throughout the Capital Region with the goal to encourage gardeners (experienced or beginner) to commit to donating an extra row of produce from their gardens. Gardeners will have access to convenient weekly drop-off locations where staff and volunteers will weigh all the fruit and vegetables and give it to local transition centres such as Our Place Society, school food programs and community food banks.

We are looking to volunteers interested in the following:

- growing food.

- teaching others about gardening.

- helping out with garden parties  (eg. Building a garden for someone in the community).

- acting as drop off point for food.

- picking up food and delivering it to the assigned location.

- joining our organizational committee.

If you are interested in any or all of the above please let me know.  Also let me know if you are interested in attending either of our events detailed below.

Thank you!