Grow A Row Irondequoit
Help Feed Your Neighbors Through Your Garden
“Grow a Row” is a new community initiative encouraging local gardeners to grow a little extra produce to help support neighbors experiencing food insecurity in Irondequoit and the Rochester area.
Participants are encouraged to dedicate an additional “row” (or even just a few plants) in their garden for donation to the Irondequoit Community Cupboard and other community food-sharing efforts.
Why Participate
Food prices continue to rise, and many families in Monroe County rely on food assistance programs to help meet basic needs. At the same time, locally grown produce can often be abundant during the summer months.
Grow a Row helps connect that abundance with neighbors who can benefit from fresh food while also encouraging community connection, gardening, sustainability, and mutual aid.
What Should I Grow?
As of May 2026, the ICC has expressed particular interest in produce such as: zucchini, squash, eggplant, beans, peas, spinach, lettuce, kale, and collards
(The pantry currently receives many tomato donations and has less need for additional tomatoes.)
How It Works
Gardeners can sign up using the form below:
When produce is ready:
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gardeners can leave donations in a box on their front porch or stoop,
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volunteers will coordinate weekly Saturday morning pickups,
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and produce will be delivered to the pantry during designated drop-off hours.
Participants are also welcome to:
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deliver produce directly themselves,
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share food informally with neighbors,
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or simply report the estimated weight of donated produce so the community impact can be celebrated.
Other Ways to Help
Non-gardeners can also participate by:
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volunteering to help with produce pickups,
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helping identify locations willing to host free food stands,
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supporting mutual aid efforts,
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or helping expand similar programs in neighboring communities.
Additional community resources: