Plant A Row: Growing Local Solutions to Food Insecurity

Plant A Row is a vital community-driven program that empowers home gardeners, hobby farmers, and community gardens in Wichita and Sedgwick County to fight food insecurity by planting and donating surplus produce, fruits, and herbs. This grassroots program taps into the abundance of local gardens and green spaces to rescue fresh, nutrient-rich food that might otherwise go to waste.

According to a 2016 study by AmpleHarvest.org, over 11.5 billion pounds of garden produce is wasted annually across the United States, a staggering loss of food that could feed millions facing food insecurity. By encouraging intentional planting with donation in mind, Plant A Row transforms backyard abundance into hope for neighbors struggling with food access and nutrition.

The program requires skilled administrative oversight to coordinate marketing efforts including printed materials, media spotlights, manage nonprofit partnerships, recruit and train volunteers, oversee routing and tracking technology, and organize distribution logistics. These essential functions ensure that produce flows efficiently from garden to table, maximizing impact and community engagement.

Plant A Row partners with more than 10 trusted local nurseries, garden centers, and greenhouses who support the effort by facilitating collection points and spreading awareness. Participating partners include:

  1. Augusta Ace Home Center, Augusta

  2. Botanica, the Wichita Gardens

  3. Brady Nursery

  4. Hillside Nursery

  5. Hillside Feed and Seed

  6. Johnson's Garden Center – East

  7. Johnson's Garden Center – West

  8. Valley Feed & Seed

  9. Woodard Mercantile – Andover

  10. Woodard Mercantile – Maize

By engaging local growers, volunteers, and nonprofits, Plant A Row harnesses the power of community collaboration to reduce food waste, provide fresh produce to those experiencing food insecurity, and promote sustainable food systems. This program is investing in a proven, scalable solution that addresses food insecurity at its root, growing healthy food locally and making sure it reaches the plates of our neighbors.

LINK TO KSTATE EXTENSION PLANT A ROW PAGE