RLEP supports "Plant a Row" to Help Feed
Rappahannock Families

by Hal Hunter, Winter 2008-2009

	Vegetables straight from Beverly Hunters's garden. Photo by Bev Hunter, who supports "Plant a Row."

The day I wrote this article, the Washington Post reported the most job cuts since 1974, unemployment at 6.7 percent and rising, and quotes such as, "It is clear this economy is deteriorating with frightening speed and ferocity."

Rappahannock County is not immune.  The Fauquier Food Bank reports a 200 percent increase in families served, including families from Rappahannock County.

The Fauquier Food Bank provides processed food.  Fresh vegetables arrive only one or two days a month, and only for those few families who visit on a day when vegetables are available.

Rappahannock needs a reliable source of fresh produce for low-income families.

The answer is "Plant a Row."  If you are planning a garden, plant an extra row for the hungry.

The Rappahannock effort is being coordinated with Social Services, the Sheriff's Office, fire and rescue units, and local schools, churches, farms, and nonprofit groups, including RLEP.

If you would like to participate, send an email to exdir@rlep.org or call 317-1449 with your name, phone number, and email address. Someone will contact you about how you can contribute to a growing local need.