Psi Epsilon Omega (PEO) Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has launched its “1908 Potato Harvest Gardening” project. Members of the sorority will continue to plant potatoes this summer that will be harvested in the fall and given to county families in need.
“The purpose of this initiative is to grow and harvest healthy and nutritious potatoes to fight against food insecurity in Prince George’s County,” said Benita A. Swindell, Psi Epsilon Omega president.
“We want to plant and harvest 1,908 potatoes to donate to a local food pantry in September or October (depending on our growing schedule). 1,908 potatoes are significant because the sorority was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C.,” she said.
Potatoes count as great produce to raise as they are low maintenance and have a long shelf life once harvested. The group estimates that it will take 75-115 days to grow the potatoes. Currently, the sorority has an 8 X 8 plot at the Bowie Community Garden Center.
Psi Epsilon Omega’s Environmental Justice Subcommittee highlighted food insecurity as an Environmental Justice issue, which is why the chapter is taking action. The potatoes will be donated to the Elizabeth House, a food pantry that serves the homeless and working poor in Laurel, Md.
“Serving the community is our priority; we strive to meet the most pressing needs of people and families in our service areas of Laurel, Bowie and Greenbelt,” added Swindell. “Eventually we hope our potato harvest is going to multiply and feed plenty.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®, Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter was chartered in 2007. Since its founding, the chapter has been aggressively implementing its programs of service in Laurel, Bowie and Greenbelt, Maryland.