Ridge High School Juniors Volunteer at America’s Grow-a -Row Farm

This past summer, two high school girls dug deep, literally, to make a meaningful difference in their community. Meet Amina Rachidi and Leeya Jamdar, juniors at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge. They recently volunteered at America’s Grow-a-Row, a nonprofit organization located just outside their town that donates 100% of its fresh produce to food banks and shelters across the state.

Together, Leeya and Amina spent their time harvesting vegetables like zucchinis and eggplant. On a single day alone, volunteers collectively picked 9,800 pounds, which is equivalent to 38,000 servings of NJ farm-fresh produce, all destined for people who do not know where their next meal is coming from. It’s a clear example of the real impact America’s Grow-a-Row and its volunteers has on the community. 100% of all fresh produce harvested at America's Grow-a-Row is donated to hunger relief agencies.

“You don’t always think about where your food comes from,” said Leeya. “When you are out there picking eggplant and zucchini, and you know they’re going to someone who really needs them - that’s powerful.”

Amina and Leeya both hope their work at America’s Grow-a-Row sparks greater awareness of food insecurity and encourages others to take action by volunteering or donating.

“It’s about building a network of giving,” Amina explained. “Everyone can contribute, even in small ways.”

Through their efforts at America’s Grow a Row, Leeya and Amina are not only helping feed those in need but also setting an example for other young people in their community. Their work shows that small actions, like giving up a few hours on the weekends, can make a real difference in the life of another person. Leeya and Amina may never meet the people they helped to feed, however, they both made a significant impact. (see pictures attached of Leeya and Amina)

For more information or to Volunteer during the harvest season (July through November) go to: www.americasgrowarow.org

Background on America’s Grow-a-Row and the Hunger Crisis

America’s Grow-a-Row is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Hunterdon County, New Jersey whose mission is to positively impact as many lives as possible through a volunteer effort of planting, picking, rescuing, and delivering free fresh produce. In 2024, we donated 14.4 million servings (3.6 million pounds) of fresh fruit and vegetables to people facing food insecurity in 24 different states. We reached a milestone of more than 97 million servings—24.25 million pounds—of fresh produce since our founding in 2002. At America’s Grow-a-Row we:

• Provide fresh, healthy produce for those in need
• Educate people of all generations about hunger and ways to help
• Introduce our youth to farming and healthy eating
• Cultivate in tomorrow’s leaders the habit of giving back
• Contribute to the sustainability of agriculture

AGAR's Humble Beginnings

In 2002, Chip Paillex started a home gardening project with his then 4-year-old daughter, Kyra, to provide fresh produce for their family while teaching her how to grow it and try new varieties. As their garden flourished, they sought ways to share the excess beyond friends and family. One morning, Chip read an article from the Flemington Area Food Pantry encouraging farmers to 'grow a row for the hungry.' Inspired, they donated 120 pounds of produce that year from their 30’x30’ garden—more than the pantry had ever received, as it primarily stocked nonperishable items. As he left the pantry one day, a woman expressed her gratitude, explaining that the fresh produce helped her manage a chronic health condition. Recognizing the need, Chip felt called to expand his efforts and provide fresh, healthy food on a larger scale.

Today, America’s Grow-a-Row positively impacts over 158,000 people per year with over 15.6 million servings from our 423 acres spread across four farms on preserved NJ farmland.