Plant extra, feed someone in need
The Plant a Row for the Hungry program, now in its 25th year in Sedgwick County, encourages local gardeners to grow a little extra this season and donate the surplus to help fight hunger in our community. With an estimated 15 percent of Sedgwick County residents experiencing food insecurity, the program offers way for gardeners to share homegrown fruits, vegetables and herbs with those in need.
The initiative is a collaboration between Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, ICT Food Rescue and a network of local businesses that serve as collection points for donated produce. All donations are then distributed to local residents struggling with food access.
“Plant a Row is a powerful way to fight food waste and support food- insecure families,” said Abbey Draut, Horticulture Food Crops Agent with K-State Research and Extension in Sedgwick County.
In 2024, the program received 4,404 pounds of donated produce—enough to provide 3,670 meals and generate an estimated $8,500 in cost savings.
From June 1 through the first week of September, donations will be collected at these drop-off sites:
• Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 Amidon St.
Brady Nursery, 11200 W. Kellogg
• Hillside Nursery, 2200 S. Hillside
• Hillside Feed & Seed, 1805 S. Hillside
• Johnson’s Garden Center – East, 6225 E. Shadybrook
• Johnson’s Garden Center – West, 2707 W. 13th St.
• Mr. Mc’s Market, 1901 E. 21st N.
• Valley Feed & Seed, 1903 S. Meridian
• Woodard Mercantile, Andover, 1313 E. US-54
• Woodard Mercantile, Maize, 4160 N. Maize Rd.
Summer Concert Series returns
The lineup for this year’s Summer Concert Series has been announced. The free shows are held from 8-10 p.m. in Andover’s Capitol Federal Amphitheatre and Wichita’s Naftzger Park. The schedule is:
Capitol Federal Amphitheater
June 20: Across the Pond
June 27: King Midas
July 11: Jet City
July 18: Big Fat Fun
Naftzger Park
July 25: The Astronauts
Aug. 1: Lucky People
Aug. 8: Monterey Jack
Aug. 15: Roadhouse Saints
Water conservation rebates offered
With drought conditions still in place, the city of Wichita is offering rebates for several water conservations devices.
The following rebates are available:
Up to $50 for dual flush conversion kits, which allow for choice in toilet water amounts flushed.
Up to $100 for new smart irrigation controllers used for landscape watering.
Up to $100 for newly purchased rain barrels 45 gallons or larger.
Up to $100 for new rain sensors that interrupt automatic irrigation systems after ¼ inch of rain has been recorded.
Up to $35 for newly purchased toilet repair kits.
Up to $100 for new 1.6 gallon or less toilets that replace high-volume toilets.
Up to $100 for new high efficiency clothes and dish washers
The city has also been offering water customers free low-flow shower heads and sink aerators while supplies last at Wichita Public Library locations, neighborhood resource centers and the City Hall information desk.
Through early May, the city had approved rebates for more than 200 devices totaling $29,352, with $80,648 remaining available.
More information and rebate applications can be found at Wichita.gov.
Dog parks open on Meridian & Country Acres
The city of Wichita held ribbon cuttings last month for two dog parks: County Acres, 750 N. Country Acres, which is new, and K-9 Rooster Dog Park, 2127 N. Meridian, which has been remodeled. Both feature benches and shaded shelters, dog and human drinking fountains, dog wash stations and gravel entrances.
