“Be Full of Beans” program
encourages children

and their families to grow
extra for those in need

Plant a Row ● Grow a Row JUNIOR helps teach

the “how to’s” of veggie gardening and sharing

 

 

June 2009 (Toronto, ON) – Growing beans and all kinds of other vegetables is becoming a snap, thanks to Plant a Row ● Grow a Row JUNIOR, a new veggie gardening and sharing initiative for children and their families. And to kick off the program, until July 7, 2009, a free package of beans and growing instructions is available for the asking by calling 1-877-571-GROW(4769).

Bean growing tips

“Whether it’s beans, zucchini, carrots, herbs or tomatoes, growing vegetables offers the possibility of harvests for children and their families beyond just the food that is grown,” said Susan Antler, Program Advocate and Executive Director of The Compost Council of Canada, one of the organizations backing this initiative. “From planting the seed and nurturing its growth to the harvest and its sharing with local food banks and those in need, all of these actions offer experiences as well as a sense of accomplishment that will help a child positively grow and develop. And importantly, it can be a lot of fun at a pretty low cost.”

In addition to the free bean seed package and planting instructions that are being offered, a special section devoted to children and veggie gardening has been posted on www.growarow.org, thanks to the support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and care from organizations such as Rittenhouse, www.icangarden.com and Scotts Canada. Posters and other support materials are also available for those interested in promoting the initiative within their community.

 

Build a Pole Bean Teepee

“Veggie gardening is a great way for children and their families to grow together,” Antler said. “We hope that Plant a Row • Grow a Row JUNIOR will encourage them to get their hands and knees dirty in the garden this summer. The harvest of experiences, food and sharing that can be gleaned from this are bountiful.”

 

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CONTACT: Fanny Hennebo, Program Coordinator @ 1-877-571-GROW(4769)

Call 1-877-571-GROW(4769) by July 7, 2009 to ask for a free package of beans to grow in your garden this summer and share this harvest with your local food bank.

Plant a Row · Grow a Row builds on the long-standing tradition of gardeners loving to share their harvest with others.

It is a people-helping-people program to assist in feeding the homeless and the hungry in their own communities.

The national program was founded through a partnership between the Food Banks Canada, Garden Writers Association

and The Composting Council of Canada and is spearheaded primarily through the generosity of volunteers across Canada.

Special support has been provided by Scotts Canada and Rittenhouse who have encouraged and helped provide program support materials. www.growarow.org.