A different type of urban growth

It is good to see the article "Urban Gardeners Raise Vegetables in the Midst of Newark Asphalt," Aug. 22, recognizing Newark's great urban gardeners. This is just one such program that has received grants of free seeds from America the Beautiful Fund's "Operation Green Plant." This program just celebrated its 11th birthday. From 78 projects in 1980 to 35,000 projects in all 50 states this summer, we saw volunteers grow 3 billion pounds of food for the hungry!Part of the democratic spirit on which this country was built took form in the sharing of gardening skills and plants. Just as the Native Americans shared their seeds with hungry Pilgrims, America the Beautiful Fund now advocates plants as a means to promote charitable good works during these difficult economic times. Paul B. Dowling, Washington Director, America the Beautiful Fund

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