By Alex Howard (twitter:@alexhoward99).

Healthy Local food, to those who can't afford it. That's the goal of the "Plant it Forward" program that Broome County and Cornell Coopertive Extension announced Tuesday.


The public/private partnership seeks to help local businesses grow food on Broome County Public Property, which will be distributed to local food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the Binghamton Area. Interested businesses can adopt a 3x3 planter in the courtyard between the Broome County Courthouse and Family Court in downtown Binghamton.


"The vegetables grown in these planters will be used in our cooking workshops, and given out to the folks that come to our nutrition classes, learning to improve their health through diet. We're asking that local businesses lend their help to this project, and help us to address a community need in a sustainable way." said Elisa Bernando, a registered dietitian with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.


Since space in the courtyard is limited, the planters come on a first come, first serve basis. Interested business owners should contact the Cornell Coopertive extension. at (607) 584-9965 or by email at [email protected]