Event Details
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
America’s Grow-a-Row Celebrates Historic 30 Million Pound Milestone, Calls on Community Volunteers to Help Finish 2026 Harvest Season Strong
With more than one million pounds of fresh vegetables still to harvest, the Hunterdon County nonprofit invites volunteers of all ages to help feed families facing food insecurity throughout November.
PITTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY, November 2026 – America’s Grow-a-Row, a Hunterdon County nonprofit dedicated to growing, gleaning, and giving free, fresh produce to individuals and families facing food insecurity, is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 30 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food donated since its founding in 2002.
But with more than one million pounds of cabbage and other root vegetables still waiting to be harvested, the organization is issuing an important call to action: More volunteers are needed throughout November to help bring the harvest home and ensure that fresh, healthy food reaches families who need it most.
Volunteer events are held every weekday throughout November, Monday through Friday starting promptly at 9a and wrapping up in the fields at about 12p.
What began as a small father-daughter garden project more than two decades ago has grown into an extraordinary community effort. Today, America’s Grow-a-Row operates four farms encompassing 423 acres in Hunterdon County, mobilizing thousands of volunteers annually to grow and harvest fresh produce that is donated to hunger relief organizations throughout New Jersey and across the country.
In 2026 alone, America’s Grow-a-Row has already donated more than 3 million pounds of farm-fresh produce and is on track to meet or exceed its ambitious year-end goal of 4.3 million pounds, equivalent to more than 17 million servings of nutritious food.
Everyone Can Make a Difference, One Vegetable at a Time
Volunteer harvest events take place every Monday through Friday throughout November, and everyone is welcome to participate. Whether volunteering individually, with family and friends, through a school, church, community organization, or corporate team, there is an opportunity for everyone to make a meaningful difference.
"At America’s Grow-a-Row, we believe anyone can help a fellow human being - you are never too young or too old to help another person in need," said Chip Paillex, President and Founder of America’s Grow-a-Row. "Every volunteer who joins us in the fields helps ensure that more fresh, healthy food reaches families who might otherwise go without. With so much produce still to harvest, we need our community's help to finish the season strong."
Volunteers do not need farming experience. America’s Grow-a-Row provides the guidance and tools needed to participate, making harvest events an enjoyable and rewarding opportunity for people of all ages and abilities.
A Community Effort With Extraordinary Impact
Each weekday, hundreds of volunteers work in America’s Grow-a-Row's fields, harvesting fresh vegetables that are loaded directly onto trucks and delivered to hunger relief organizations. Through this unique pick-and-haul model, farm-fresh produce reaches communities throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and 26 additional states.
Beyond the harvest, America’s Grow-a-Row is helping build healthier communities through educational programs focused on nutrition, healthy eating, and practical cooking skills. Through September 2026, these programs reached over 2,232 children and adults.
Help Bring the Harvest Home This November
As Thanksgiving approaches, America’s Grow-a-Row encourages individuals, families, businesses, schools, and community groups to give the gift of their time.
Every additional pair of hands means more vegetables harvested, more trucks filled, and more fresh, nutritious food delivered to families facing food insecurity.
Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday throughout November, starting promptly at 9a at one of America's Grow-a-Row farms in either Pittstown, NJ or Milford, NJ.
To learn more or register for a volunteer harvest event, visit:
https://americasgrowarow.org/volunteer/
To watch America’s Grow-a-Row celebrate its historic 30 million pound milestone, visit:
30 Million Pounds Milestone Video
About America’s Grow-a-Row
Founded in 2002, America’s Grow-a-Row is a nonprofit organization based in Pittstown, New Jersey, dedicated to positively impacting as many lives as possible by growing, gleaning, and giving free, fresh produce and education through a volunteer-driven effort to individuals and communities striving to live healthy, fulfilling lives despite limited access to resources. Through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners, the organization has donated more than 30 million pounds of fresh produce to hunger relief organizations since its founding.
Media Contact:
Jackie Etter
Senior Director, Development
America’s Grow-a-Row
Cell: 908-310-2824
www.americasgrowarow.org