Volunteers needed for Westmoor Park's Plant A Row for the Hungry
Since 1999, Westmoor Park has participated in a nationwide program called Plant A Row for the Hungry. The campaign was developed in 1994 by the Garden Writers Association of America to encourage people to share their harvest with organizations that care for the hungry. Through the efforts of Westmoor staff & volunteers, we supply fresh vegetables from our organic ‘PAR’ garden to people in need through local food pantries and soup kitchens. Volunteers can experience organic agriculture while providing immeasurable community service. The ‘PAR’ program at Westmoor Park integrates community awareness with skills that develop team-work, multi-cultural/inter-generational partnerships and an appreciation for cultivating and harvesting one’s own hard work.
Westmoor Park dedicates a half-acre garden plot to Plant A Row For The Hungry. Fresh, organic vegetables and herbs have been provided to agencies such as My Sisters’ Place and House of Bread in Hartford. In West Hartford, St. Agnes, the Senior Centers and other agencies have reaped the rewards of our bounty. On a yearly average, Westmoor Park harvests and donates nearly 2,000 pounds of produce. Through the generosity of companies such as Burpee Seed, Territorial Seed Co., Comstock Ferry and others we have received a plentiful assortment of seed. Westmoor Park is especially grateful to the local garden centers Patrissi Nursery Center and Moscarillo's Garden Shoppe for their significant gifts of seed and garden materials.
Our endeavors wouldn’t be possible without the labor of devoted members of the community. While we depend upon individuals who volunteer on an hourly basis, in recent years we have also welcomed several large and small groups. Our program has become popular with schools, scout groups, corporations, senior citizens, social action committees, religious organizations and community service agencies. The United Way continues to support us by alerting potential PAR volunteers. Every September the United Way coordinates a “Day of Caring” with volunteers from area businesses who spend one full day at Westmoor Park assisting us with fall cleanup and PAR. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and all ages. No gardening experience is necessary. Plant a Row for the Hungry is an ideal way for the community at large to get involved in a project that has a direct impact on the fight against hunger in our own backyard. Volunteers are most needed during the garden season of April through October. Volunteer registration forms are available on-line or in the Westmoor Park Office. Interested parties may choose Monday and/or Wednesday mornings during any increment of time between 9am til noon to volunteer. Volunteers are not required to commit to the entire season, and may arrange a schedule that is mutually suitable. Helpful, well-behaved children are encouraged to participate with an adult.
Jane Gottier, Head Horticulturist for Westmoor Park, will contact registrants
in mid-April to organize the initial orientation/work day.
