When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we doubled our Mobile Pantry visits from Feeding America West Michigan, our neighbor,Tom, had an idea. After seeing the long lines of cars, twice a month, waiting to get necessities, he drafted a plan for his unused acre of land. By planting seeds in this acre, he could then donate the produce to TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention Programs.
Tom met regularly with some friends for lunch. “I brought it up at the lunch table one day, and everybody agreed it sounded like a good idea. Well, with ideas… you know especially at my age, it takes more help than just me.” Everyone pitched in, with some folks donating money to buy seeds and others, like Mike and Nancy Hanna who are retired farmers, donating their time and equipment to turn the soil and make it ready for planting. In total, they ended up donating over 7,000 lbs. of three varieties of squash to our Food Pantry.
Tom and our Hunger Prevention Director, Mike Voyt are currently meeting to brainstorm ideas to plant and donate even more this season. TrueNorth also offered a free seed distribution May 3rd – 7th and passed out 1,000 seed packets to local residents to either plant for their own use and/or with the intent of donating to a Food Pantry.
As Tom said “I grew up working the garden and I enjoy doing it, yet I never eat all I grow.” Thus, the good gardener’s tradition of sharing the harvest with those in need. Why not plant a row to help prevent hunger?
To hear more, check out the short video below.