The official national gardening initiative led by GardenComm

Founded in 1995, Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) is a national program of GardenComm (formerly the Garden Writers Association) that mobilizes gardeners to grow and donate fresh produce to those in need.

GardenComm is the founding organization and national steward of the Plant a Row for the Hungry program, supporting communities across North America in connecting gardening with hunger relief. Plant a Row for the Hungry™ is the original national gardening-based hunger relief program, founded and continuously led by GardenComm since 1995.

What Is Plant a Row for the Hungry?

Plant a Row for the Hungry is a simple yet powerful idea: gardeners grow a little extra and donate their harvest to help feed people in need. Home gardeners, community gardens, schools, and organizations across North America participate by planting an extra row of fruits and vegetables specifically for donation. That fresh produce is then shared with local food banks, pantries, and community organizations—bringing nutritious, homegrown food directly to those who need it most. This grassroots approach to hunger relief has grown into a national movement, connecting gardening with community impact in a meaningful and accessible way.

Founded in 1995 by GardenComm

Plant a Row for the Hungry program was launched in 1995 by the Garden Writers Association of America (now GardenComm) as a national public service campaign to encourage gardeners to support hunger relief efforts in their communities.

Since its founding, the program has operated continuously under GardenComm’s leadership, expanding across the United States and Canada and engaging thousands of gardeners, organizations, and volunteers.

Program Timeline

• 1995 – Plant a Row for the Hungry launched as a national initiative

• 2000s – Program expands nationally with media and community partnerships

• 2010 – Program administration formalized through the Garden Writers Association Foundation

• Today – GardenComm continues to lead and support the national program

• Plant a Row for the Hungry remains one of the most recognized gardening-based hunger relief initiatives in North America.

Plant a Row for the Hungry remains one of the most recognized gardening-based hunger relief initiatives in North America.

How It Works

Participating is simple and accessible for gardeners of all experience levels.

• Plant: Grow an extra row—or even a few extra plants—in your garden.

• Harvest: Collect fresh fruits and vegetables at peak ripeness.

• Donate: Deliver your harvest to a local food bank, pantry, or community organization.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide fresh, healthy food to individuals and families in need.

A National Program with Local Impact

Plant a Row for the Hungry is a national program led by GardenComm and implemented through local community-based efforts across the country. Local Plant a Row programs are independently organized at the community level and play a vital role in growing, collecting, and distributing fresh produce to those in need.

GardenComm serves as the founding organization and national steward of the program—supporting awareness, providing resources, and helping expand participation nationwide.

Get Involved

There are many ways to participate in Plant a Row for the Hungry:

• Start a local program in your community

• Find a local program near you

• Partner with GardenComm to expand impact

Making a Difference Nationwide

For nearly three decades, Plant a Row for the Hungry has helped connect gardeners with hunger relief efforts across North America. From backyard gardens to large-scale community initiatives, participants have contributed millions of pounds of fresh produce—providing nutritious food to individuals, families, and communities in need. Every row planted makes a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Plant a Row for the Hungry a national program?

Yes. It is a national initiative founded in 1995 and led by GardenComm.

Who runs the program?

GardenComm is the founding organization and national steward of the program.

Can anyone participate?

Yes. Home gardeners, community groups, schools, and organizations are encouraged to participate.

Are local programs affiliated with GardenComm?

Local programs operate independently while contributing to the broader national initiative founded by GardenComm.

Plant a Row for the Hungry™ is a program of GardenComm, the association for garden communicators.