Grow a Row for St. Vincent de Paul’s Pantry

NEWS RELEASE

Neighbors in need at Dane County’s busiest food pantry rely on donations of garden veggies.

            Now that snow piles have been rained away, the thoughts of many in the Madison area turn to gardening.  The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is asking those whose thumbs are any shade of green to grow a row or two of produce this year for the Dane County neighbors who turn to the Society’s food pantry for help.

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The customer-choice pantry operated by St. Vincent de Paul at 1309 Culmen St. in Madison is the county’s busiest food pantry, serving 60 to 120 families per day five days a week.  During 2007 the pantry answered more than 19,400 requests for nutrition assistance from households across Dane County by distributing food valued at more than $1.1 million.  Pantry staff and volunteers report that most clients love to bring nutritious fresh produce home to their families.

Local growers are needed to help the pantry’s produce bins brim when harvest season comes. St. Vincent de Paul asks gardeners – as they plan their planting now – to consider designating one, two or a few rows of green beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli or other favorite veggies for sharing with neighbors in need. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul reminds sowers that this is a great way to grow faith as well as gardens.

When the time comes for harvest, gardeners may drop off their gifts of fresh produce at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. until noon.  Those interested in growing a row for the pantry may call 257-0919, Ext. 301, for more information.