Oklahoma: Plant a Row for the Hungry

**A*@aol.com**

Friends, 

This was part of a note to an Oklahoma Farmer's Co-op, talking about the 
hunger that grips this country, specifically in Oklahoma.  While much of this 
missive speaks to local concerns, what he talks about resonates here in 
Manhattan's concrete canyons as well.  Business is too good at our soup kitchens - and 
folks are turned away everyday when the food runs out. 

Everbest, 

Adam Honigman
Volunteer, 
Clinton Community Garden, 
NYC
B 

1.B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B  Plant a Row for the Hungry

This is a national program of the Garden Writers of America.B  All gardeners 
are encouraged to plant a row for the specific purpose of donating the 
production from those plants to the hungry. B The gardener can donate to a food pantry 
or soup kitchen, Regional Food Bank, or someone they know who needs help.B  If 
anyone needs to know information on food pantries or soup kitchens in their 
area please feel free to call the food bank.

B 

Food security is a critical issue.B  In Oklahoma alone, one in five children 
are at risk of going to bed hungry every night.B  Sixty-three (63%) percent of 
adults in Oklahoma skip at least one meal a month because they cannot afford 
food i.e. they have to choose between food and medicine, or rent or utilities.

B 

There was a lady last year who regularly visited one of the 23 community 
gardens we are associated with.B  She tearfully told the gardeners one day that if 
it werenbt for them she would not be able to survive.

B 

Almost all of the gardens we work with have active programs involving 
teaching children about gardening.B  A study has shown that if children garden as 
little as 30 minutes a week the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat will 
significantly increase.

B 

If you do choose to donate some of your production, please call us with a 
rough estimate of the number of pounds donated.B  This number will be part of the 
total number used in writing grant proposals and making reports and statistics 
available to the public.B  You will be able to tangibly see what a significant 
difference you make in the lives of those around you.

B 

We, who have a garden / healthy food interest, sometimes take for granted the 
fresh vegetables in our diet.B  Recently a truck was involved in an accident 
and its load of lettuce was donated to the Regional Food Bank.B  I filled the 
pickup and started delivering these cases of fresh Romaine lettuce to all the 
soup kitchens and food pantries that could handle it.B  I have never been so bGod 
blessedb in one day in my life.B  One soup kitchen originally wanted 4 cases 
and ended up taking 11 just to insure as many people as possible would 
benefit.B  Fresh vegetables and fruits are so critical to our health and well being 
that B we forget a large segment of the population does not have such ready 
access.

B 

2.B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B  Grand Opening of the Straw Bale BakeryB  

B 

Earth Elements Farm will be having a grand opening of their new bakery on May 
6thB  B 2005 beginning at 5 pm.B  The bakery is constructed of straw bales and 
is uniquely interesting.B  They will be having Julia Butterfly Hill speak at 
7:30 pm.B  This is one stop on her national bWe the Planet Tourb.B  If you 
remember, Ms. Hill spent a year in a tree in California to prevent it from being 
logged.

B 

Tours of the bakery (including samples) will be from 5 to 7 pmB  B After the 
talk, music will be provided by local bands.

Remember to support the environment and bring your own cup and bowl.B  
Concessions will be available to benefit Circle of Life and local bands.

Contact information: Earth Elements Farm

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B  9630 Pecan Tree Circle
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B  Lexington, OK 73051
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B  405-872-3722

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B  www.earthelements.net.
Thanks so much for the help.

Sincerely

Jerry Newhouse VISTA
Community Garden Liaison
Urban Harvest Program
Regional Food Bank
3355 S Purdue
Oklahoma City OK 73137-0968
405-972-1111 ext 132
jnewhouse@regionalfoodbank.org
www.regionalfoodbank.org

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