ORONO – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has collected 69,895 pounds of produce, 70 dozen ears of corn and 60 loaves of bread as part of its Plant a Row for the Hungry outreach project.

Home gardeners, master gardeners, and others with a green thumb participate in the program, which provides fresh fruits and vegetables to needy individuals and families in Maine.

The local effort is part of a national program sponsored by the Garden Writers Association.