By the numbers: Plant a Row

Since 1999, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has coordinated the state's Plant a Row for the Hungry project, through which home gardeners and Master Gardeners donate harvest surpluses to help those in need.

The 2008 harvest season was bountiful for Maine's Plant a Row for the Hungry:

80,748
pounds of produce

32,208
pounds donated in York County — the largest of the county donations

225
volunteers who donated their time and/or produce

70
dozen ears of corn donated

11
food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens statewide that received produce, in addition to individual families in need

1
the vegetable donated most — potato

"Despite the less than ideal growing season, Maine gardeners and farmers have once again given generously of their time and harvest to make a huge difference in combating hunger in Maine," says Barbara Murphy, an Extension educator in Oxford County.

The local effort is part of a national program sponsored by the Garden Writers Association.

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