Join the Mission: Plant A Row for Gaston County
Calling all gardeners—individuals, families, and community groups! We’re coming together for a collaborative mission: growing fresh food to nourish our neighbors in need.
Nutrition is a cornerstone of public health. In the U.S., five of the ten leading causes of death are linked to diet. Here in Gaston County, the 15.3% food insecurity rate represents more than 35,000 individuals who lack consistent access to healthy food.
This is about more than just hunger; a lack of access to fresh produce contributes to chronic health issues and impacts childhood development. Food insecurity is often compounded by malnutrition. Even when caloric intake is sufficient, a lack of essential vitamins and minerals—known as micronutrient malnutrition—can lead to long-term health and behavioral challenges.
The Plant A Row Initiative
Our Cooperative Extension programs empower residents to lead healthier lives. Through the Plant A Row initiative, we engage local gardeners to grow and donate fresh produce to designated food banks. By participating, you are helping us improve the local food environment and providing a direct lifeline of health to those who need it most.
How Can You Help?
Help us turn your hobby into a community solution. By joining Plant A Row, you’re dedicating a portion of your garden to help bridge this gap. Whether it’s a single row or a full plot, your donation of fresh fruits and vegetables goes directly to local food banks. Together, we can strengthen our local food system and ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have access to the nutrition they deserve.
How Can I Sign Up?
Complete the Sign-Up Form that best identifies who you are or who you represent. Extension Master Food Volunteers and Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are teaming up for this special project. Initial sign-up will take place through April 15, 2026.
If you are a family or individual wanting to participate, please complete this form: Individual Sign Up
If you are a non-profit, community, school, church, etc., and would like to sign up your organization, please complete this form: Organization Sign Up
Program Orientation
All participants will be asked to attend a program orientation on April 23rd from 6pm-7pm located at the Citizen's Resource Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy., Dallas, NC 28034.
