HAMILTON-WENHAM — In a modern-day take on the victory gardens of World War II, Hamilton and Wenham families are growing extra veggies in their gardens this spring for the local food pantry.
The "Grow a Row" project of Hamilton-Wenham Green, a citizens group focused on sustainability, kicked off this week and has 25 participants so far. Local families have agreed to plant an extra row of tomatoes, lettuce and/or carrots, and donate the produce to Acord Food Pantry in Hamilton.
Over the course of the summer, they hope to donate 300 pounds of produce to Acord, said Greg Horner, president of Hamilton-Wenham Green.
"People have been very enthusiastic about this program," Horner said. "It really hit a nerve, combining an interest in growing food with the awareness of a need that's out there. ... It's neighbors helping neighbors. It feels even better than just buying something at the store and bringing it in (to donate)."
Acord Food Pantry in downtown Hamilton is open twice a week, distributing food to residents of Hamilton, Wenham, Ipswich, Topsfield, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea.
While the nonprofit is grateful for the produce they receive from Green Meadows Farm in Hamilton and Appleton Farms in Ipswich, there is always a need for the basics, said Deby Baker, Acord's managing director.
"One of the things Acord is really trying to focus on is nutrition," Baker said. "We are always looking for the basics — things we may not get from some of the other farms. It's important to round out people's diets with that."
When Horner overheard Baker say one day that she'd "kill for tomatoes," he got to work, starting 200 tomato seedlings in his 3-year-old daughter's bedroom this spring.
Fifty of those seedlings are now distributed among Hamilton-Wenham Green members in the "Grow a Row" program. Other members have committed to dedicate a portion of their garden for Acord or tuck an extra plant in an unused corner of their yard.
"We have a mix of people who have been gardening for years and others who are brand-new to this," Horner said.
The program is not limited to residents of Hamilton or Wenham, he said.
Throughout the summer, Hamilton-Wenham Green will provide tips on fertilizing, pruning and other gardening support for participants. At a May 16 kickoff event, the group distributed carrot, lettuce and tomato seeds donated by Corliss Brothers in Ipswich and High Mowing Seeds in Vermont.
This summer is the program's pilot, and, if successful, they hope to expand it next year, Horner said.
Acord Pantry, founded in 1991, serves approximately 160 households per month, Baker said. Fresh produce will complement the canned goods, dairy items, bread and frozen meat Acord gives to patrons.
"This is going to be such an amazing thing," Baker said. "When Greg (Horner) came to me with the idea, I said 'Wow, that would be fantastic.' I'm so genuinely surprised at all the outpouring from the community, as always."
Staff writer Bethany Bray can be reached at bbray@salemnews.com and on Twitter @SNewsBethany.
GROW A ROW
For more information on Hamilton-Wenham Green and the "Grow a Row" program, or to sign up, visit hwgreen.org
For more information on the Acord Food Pantry in Hamilton, visit acordfoodpantry.org or call 978-468-7424.
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