Any first-time gardener with a squash crop knows the meaning of excess. Luckily, the Atlanta Community Food Bank has a solution: Donate your surplus to people in need.

Since 1996, the Food Bank has held a Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign to raise food for local hunger relief organizations and various charities, such as the Annandale Village at Suwanee, a center that helps adults with developmental delays, and the Center for Family Resources in Marietta, which helps homeless and low-income families.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has helped sponsor the program since 2002.

Fred Conrad, community garden coordinator for the Food Bank, gave us the low-down on Plant a Row.

Q: What is Plant a Row for the Hungry?

A: It's a donation program where backyard gardeners are encouraged to plant gardens to either share their surplus or plant an extra row for the needy in their communities. The idea is to donate locally, because the food needs to make it to the table as fast as possible.

Q: Who does it help?

A: Orphaned children to learning-disabled adults to homeless families. It's quite a range.

Q: What type of produce do people grow?

A: The program prefers vegetables with the longest shelf-life possible. Salad greens and cooking greens are not as dependable as squash, peppers or carrots. The sturdier the plant, the better.

Q: Can you donate canned food?

A: We can't accept canned food; we prefer fresh, unprocessed food. Don't shuck your vegetables; the least processed as possible is best.

Q: Who are the gardeners?

A: Hundreds of people who just have gardens and share their harvest. They are usually people surprised by a surplus [of tomatoes or squash], especially new gardeners. We also have farmers and master gardener associations.

Q: Can people donate any amount of food, and what's your goal for this year's total?

A: No amount is too small and no amount is too large. If you donate more than one charity needs [they will share with others]. We aim to raise 30,000 pounds this year.

Q: How do I donate my food?

A: Visit www.acfb.org/projects/community_garden/plant_a_row/ for a full list of drop-off sites in your county; the Web site lists hours of operation.