Approval by the full Legislature could come as soon as Wednesday, Nov. 20.
(PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.) – Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) is thrilled to announce that Port Washington-based Plant a Row for the Hungry is on track to receive a $50,000 grant to support its hunger-fighting mission.
The Legislature’s Rules committee voted unanimously on Wednesday, Nov. 13 in favor of releasing the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding; final approval from the full Nassau County Legislature could come as early as its scheduled Wednesday, Nov. 20 meeting.
Founded in 2010 by longtime resident Marvin Makofsky, Plant a Row’s mission is to “mobilize the Port Washington community to grow and distribute locally grown produce to our food-insecure families and impact climate change as it relates to growing food.” Since its inception, the organization has delivered more than 62,000 pounds of produce to food pantries in support of hundreds of needy Port Washington residents, and Plant A Row’s Outreach program has worked with various local organizations to teach children and families how to grow their own vegetables and share with those in need.
“For nearly 15 years, Plant a Row has done incredible work to fight hunger in our region and teach the community - and especially young people – about the importance of being vigilant environmental stewards,” Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton said. “These ARPA funds will give Marvin and his team a tremendous boost in the pursuit of their noble and life-affirming mission, and we are all eagerly looking forward to this worthwhile cause receiving the full support of the Nassau County Legislature on November 20.”
“On behalf of our Plant A Row Program, I am grateful for what this grant will mean for our community,” Marvin Makofsky said. “Over the years we have reached out to every corner of Port Washington, from working with our children, numerous art initiatives, our public library programs, creating opportunities for folks with various disabilities, senior activities, and growing, coordinating and distributing more than 330,000 servings of fresh vegetables to hundreds of residents with food insecurities. This grant will allow us to expand our existing programs and help so many."