Stories
Plant A Row - Reaping What You Sow
Caldwell Co. struggles with obesity, unemployment, and food insecurity. Fortunately, Caldwell Co. also has land, experienced gardeners, and people who want to make a difference. For Caldwell Co 4-H member, Daniela Berry, encouraging a new generation of gardeners at the elementary afterschool/ summer program seems to make everything come together. Gardening with her family and her church family through Lenoir First United Methodist Church Potato Project, and understanding how many people experience food insecurity all led to Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR.) PAR seemed to say it all. She knew many vendors at the local farmers’ market and was involved in growing potatoes herself. She began to wonder . . . what would happen if we all started using our resources, our gardens, not just to share with our neighbors but with our neighbors who need the food pantry? So in 2010, Daniela began promoting Plant a Row for the Hungry in Caldwell Co. She led 4Hers at the community garden, promoting PAR and sharing the church potato plot on the local cable channel with the Ag Extension Director, doing a radio interview, speaking to civic groups, and growing to share. It wasn’t until she received the Blue Cross Blue Shield NC Foundation Community Sparkplug Grant in 2011 that Caldwell Co. 4-H Plant a Row really became a project that truly impacted food security across the county. 2011 became the year of partnerships. 4-H PAR partners include Caldwell Correctional Center Community Resource Council, Caldwell Co. Habitat for Humanity, South Caldwell High School Future Farmers of America, 4-H clubs, church gardens, Caldwell Community Gardens, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Horticulture Department and Whitnel Elementary School Wraparound Program. 4-H Plant a Row for the Hungry in Caldwell Co. not only encourages backyard gardeners to share their harvest with local food pantries, it also matches seeds and plants with people who want to eat healthier while enhancing their food security, and additionally encouraging a new generation of gardeners by sponsoring a garden at an elementary school. In 2011, many new gardens emerged to serve our community and food pantries recorded over 10,000 pounds in fresh produce donations. This Caldwell Co. 4-H Service Project demonstrates the Responsibility Revolution. Will you join us in making a difference in your backyard?