London Food Bank announces ‘grow a row’ program at curbside food drive launch

The London Food Bank is offering a new way to help those in need.

At Wednesday morning’s kickoff event outside the Oxford Street EnviroDepot at 1450 Oxford Street West for the London Cares Curb Hunger Food Drive, officials announced the Plant a Row, Grow a Row option.

“Especially kids get really interested in that,” said co-executive director Glen Pearson.

“The plant a row thing this summer, we’re just encouraging people when you’re in your garden just plant whatever it is that you think is good for people to eat and make one row of it for the food bank. Go ahead and let it harvest, then bring it into the food bank and that way we can give it out.”

Mayor Matt Brown was one of several city officials on hand for the launch event, noting that a similar program existed in the 1980s.

“There are still so many Londoners in need. Our community delivers year after year and I know 2017 will be no different,” said Brown.

“We know that a good meal is key to a good day at school or work. Please consider helping in any way you can.”

Pearson added that it’s part of a nationwide push towards offering more fresh produce for those in need.

“There’s nothing closer really than your backyard or wherever it is that you’re going to garden – and there are gardens also that are provided for families to come to and help along with others. But this is as close as it gets,” said Pearson.

“It’s not just going to a store and getting a canned food item. This is getting fresh food that people really need, it’s as close as you want it to be, and that mobilizes citizens.”

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During the curb hunger food drive, Londoners are asked to set out a clearly marked bag of non-perishable food items next to their recycling bin for staff to collect. The drive officially gets underway Friday and goes to June 16.

Local grocery stores and fire halls will also accept donations.

Last year residents donated about 64,000 pounds of food to the cause.