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By Hal Hunter
SpeciaJ to the Rappahannock News
Last Saturday, the headline in The Washington Post was, “Downturn Accelerates As It Circles The Globe: Economies Worse Off Than Predicted Just Weeks Ago.” Another headline: “A Fresh Look At How Best To Get Food To 35 Million ”
Rappahannock County is not immune to the economic downturn or to the resulting hunger. “Plant a Row for the Hungry,” a new program in Rappahannock County, is one answer. Simply put, if you plant a garden, plant some extra for those in need.
So far some 38 gardeners and volunteers have joined in this effort. The idea has blossomed into a potential food bank for Rappahannock - a proposal for one is up for consideration at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting Feb. 2.
USDA estimates that one in 10 U.S. households experiences hunger or the risk of hunger. Many frequently skip meals or eat too little, sometimes going without food for an entire day.
The USDA estimate translates to about 700 Rappahannock residents have substandard diets, or must resort to seeking emergency food, because they cannot always afford the food they need. The number 700 is confirmed by estimates that 10 percent of residents in our region are at or below the poverty level. And these statistics don’t reflect the current economic crisis.
Sharon Pyne, Social Services, is aware of 200 needy families. Shop With a Deputy program knows 100. The churches know others, as do the county fire and rescue units. Also, Jim Blubaugh, president of the Rappahannock Lions Club, says that when the Lions collect names of needy families from these sources, there is little overlap across the lists.
Given this evidence, the number 700 doesn’t seem so high. Whatever it is, it will get higher.
Here’s how the Plant a Row program will work:
We’re looking for fruits, vegetables and herbs. Vegetables could include
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