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About Hunger

America’s Grow-a-Row addresses the problems of hunger, food insecurity, and the lack of availability of fresh, healthy produce for those living in “food deserts” – areas that lack access to fresh, affordable produce – and the need for education among people of all ages about healthy eating and the hunger crisis. America’s Grow-a-Row helps relieve the stress of food insecurity and the impact of diet-related disease by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables and teaching about the importance of consuming fresh produce for healthy living. 

Approximately 650,000 people in New Jersey are experiencing food insecurity, including roughly 175,000 children. The need is great for many residents of the Garden State and beyond. America’s Grow-a-Row’s reach expands to 17 states. With the food insecurity rate at almost 12% nationally, our work is crucial and helps provide wholesome fruits and vegetables to those who need it most, especially as continued inflation is making it even harder for folks to put healthy food on the table.  The fruits and vegetables provided by America’s Grow-a-Row contain nutrients essential for healthy living and help give kids the nutrition they need to thrive.

America’s Grow-a-Row’s clients are saving money, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and learning about the importance of consuming fresh produce for healthy living. One of our Free Farm Market® clients shares that:  “Vegetables are very expensive and we are six in my family, now we can eat healthy.”