In 2010 a small group of residents, concerned about hunger in our community, came to a transformational realization: If they could collect and distribute the excess vegetables from those gardening in Port Washington, they could begin to make a dent in helping to relieve hunger locally, contributing the most beneficial category of food - fresh vegetables.

From that spark of an idea 13 years ago, Plant a Row for the Hungry in Port Washington has contributed more than 57,000 pounds of vegetables to those who are food insecure in our area. And, it has accomplished that while touching myriad sectors of our community by: educating children and adults about proper, sustainable gardening techniques; providing opportunities for artists to create and display their talents across the community via large painted pots that house growing vegetables; transforming otherwise unproductive land into burgeoning mini-farms; and providing anyone who wants to assist, with the opportunity to feel the pride and satisfaction of making a difference for their neighbors.

From our early neighborhood vegetable collection / distribution network system and painted pot programs, we have expanded our scope of focus on several major initiatives, and we are continually innovating with new and expanded efforts designed to activate our mission.

Here are the major initiative Plant a Row offers:

● A summer Adult/Student vegetable growing program to fight hunger and climate change

● A partnership with the Nichols Center for Autism and its navigators, adopting its greenhouse facility for education and community service

● Utilizing the talents of artists of all ages to create messages about our mission on our Painted Planters located throughout Port Washington

●Creating an opportunity at newly created Port Washington Adult Activity Center Garden for local adult/student volunteers to grow and provide produce for families in need

● Redesign and expansion of the Helen Keller National Center Garden for adult/student volunteers growing produce for our local pantries

Planter Renewal