The UW-Extension for Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and Door Counties is encouraging residents to plant a row for the hungry.
Nutrition Coordinator Laura Apfelbeck explains that in Manitowoc County, more than 7,500 people, or 9.3%, rely on federal benefits to purchase food for themselves and their families.
For those who garden for themselves, the Plant a Row project asks them to consider planting an extra row of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, or peas to donate to a local food-based organization.
Manitowoc County residents can contact pantries, including the Salvation Army, Peters Pantry, the Two Rivers Ecumenical Pantry, Grow It Forward, or United Ministries.
Apfelbeck also says that those eligible for FoodShare benefits must be a family of four earning less than $60,000 per year.
About 43% of Manitowoc County schoolchildren receive free or reduced-price meals, suggesting their families might also be struggling.
More information can be found at doinggoodtogether.org/projects.
