Lakeshore Food Club, Mason County Garden Club launch Grow A Row. 

Lakeshore Food Club, Mason County Garden Club launch Grow A Row. 

LUDINGTON — The Lakeshore Food Club has teamed up with the Mason County Garden Club to launch its first annual Grow A Row campaign which encourages home gardeners to set aside a row of their vegetables and donate the surplus to individuals and families in Mason County experiencing food insecurity.

“This is an idea that could be transformational in tackling hunger in Mason County and make us healthier and more connected to our neighbors” said Sarah McMahon, director of Lakeshore Food Club.

Fresh vegetables and fruits are often among the first (and healthiest) items to be cut from the grocery list when a family’s food budget is limited, McMahon said.  “This initiative aims to put fresh produce back on our neighbor’s tables.”

“We encourage all gardeners to plant a corner of their garden with food to share with others.  I even put a tomato plant in the middle of a flower bed and it worked out well”, said Dawn Rollenhagen, president of the Mason County Garden Club.

Anyone interested in participating or volunteering can pick up a Grow A Row sign to place in their garden or yard.  Program details can be found at (www.lakeshorefoodclub.org) or by emailing volunteer@lakeshorefoodclub.org.  

Produce donations are welcome at the Lakeshore Food Club Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. to noon.  Gardeners are encouraged to consider growing the more popular items such as peppers, tomatoes, cherries, peaches, pears, apples, green beans, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, potatoes, cabbage, onions, squash and melons.  Bulk donations are welcome.