Rappahannock Plant A Row

Hal and Beverly Hunter are the Rappahannock News‘s 2009 Citizens of the Year. The paper states that “…the Hunters have…put in countless hours looking after the continued health of Rappahannock’s watersheds, its farms and viewsheds, its hungry people and its educational and arts communities.”

A year ago, Rappahannock Plant a Row for the Hungry was a glint in Hal Hunter’s eye. Last New Year’s, the need for a Rappahannock Food Pantry was increasingly clear. Hal figured out what needed to be done and did it. He enlisted farms and orchards, volunteers, and gardeners in Plant a Row. He spoke to any group that would have him about Plant a Row. He was instrumental in getting the Fauquier Community Action Committee to open a Food Pantry in Rappahannock. He made sure that the Food Pantry had the freezers, refrigerators, computer, shopping carts, furniture, and supplies it needed to operate. He recognized all volunteers and growers with handsome certificates at a harvest party this October. And Hal continues to be the “go to” person for anything Pantry director Mimi Forbes needs. He never stops thinking of ways to improve the Pantry and help the folks it serves.

Beverly Hunter made regular contributions of her garden’s bounty to the Food Pantry – even seeing that her vegetables were gleaned and brought to the Pantry when the Hunters were away.

So, tonight raise a glass to Hal and Beverly Hunter and what they have accomplished – particularly for those in need in Rappahannock County!