Skip to content

Seed kits distributed across Chilliwack to plant a row for the hungry

"At its peak on Saturday there were about 175 people at the event," said Alanna Clempson, PARGAR coordinator of Food Matters Chilliwack.
67793chilliwackpargar2012jackWEB
Gardening expert Jack Kouwenhoven discusses optimum soil conditions for growing veggies at the Plant A Row/Grow A Row launch Saturday in Chilliwack.

The seeds are now spread out across Chilliwack to be planted as the soil warms.

The second annual Plant A Row/Grow A Row program was launched Saturday by Food Matters Chilliwack to encourage food gardening and to feed the hungry.

In the morning, about 100 people signed up through PARGAR to grow veggies for their own families, as well as for the Salvation Army Food Bank.

"At its peak on Saturday there were about 175 people at the event," said Alanna Clempson, PARGAR coordinator of Food Matters Chilliwack.

Everyone who registered was given a seed kit with seeds for a wide range of vegetables, greens and flowers, as well as early and mid season potatoes. There was also planting tips and FAQ sheet tucked in, as well as a copy of Farm Folk, City Folk, full of recipes and an edible flower chart.

Speakers like gardening experts Jack Kouwenhoven and Brian Minter captivated participants during the afternoon at the Sunshine Community Garden site.

There will be a total of seven drop-off events throughout the summer for participants to bring the veggies they wish to donate to the food bank.

The first drop-off is slated for July 14 at the community garden, off Wells Road, and behind the Mathieson Centre.

"It's all about encouraging people to get outside and grow some food," said Clempson. "We get to share the knowledge we gain from that, and continue to build community and conversations around healthy food all summer long."

jfeinberg@theprogress.com

twitter.com/CHWKjourno



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
Read more