A Letter from Chip – The Heart of America’s Grow-a-Row

June 2020

Dear Friends,

It has always been my goal and the goal of America’s Grow-a-Row to fill not only the bellies of those facing food insecurity but also the hearts of everyone who touches the program. In these uncertain and challenging times, we know that many hearts are hurting. Many people are hungering not just for nutritious food but also for safety, equality, and health in the face of racism and the impact of COVID-19. America’s Grow-a-Row continues to make it a goal to bring people together, and we stand with our hunger relief partners in support of the communities we serve; we are here for you and will continue to work hard to provide desperately needed fresh food during this time of crisis.

At America’s Grow-a-Row the COVID-19 crisis has required us to make many programming-related changes to continue serving those in need, especially at a time when unemployment and food insecurity have increased drastically. And we recognize that fresh fruits and vegetables not only fill the plates of the vulnerable populations we serve, but they help strengthen their immune systems as well. Due to social distancing guidelines and the inability to have our entire force of 9,000+ volunteers at the farm this season, we have invested in hiring additional farm talent as well as mechanizing some of our farming processes in order to honor our commitment of providing and distributing over 1.5 million pounds, or 6 million servings, of produce to those in need this year. 

I have great faith that even though our society is facing some of the biggest challenges I’ve seen during America’s Grow-a-Row’s 19-year history, collectively we will come out of it stronger and America’s Grow-a-Row will be even more focused on why we do what we do each and every day. The true test of an organization – its volunteers, supporters, and staff – comes not when everything is going as planned but during unforeseen challenges and in unprecedented times. It’s these times that determine the strength and resiliency of an organization and its members.

Thank you for all of your support, and may you, your families, and your co-workers all be well.

See you in the fields!

Chip