T.I.M.E. – The Improved Milton Experience and Chef’s Place/Boiardi Museum and Eatery will hold a Tomato Plant giveaway to encourage the public to create “Victory Gardens.”

The event is in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8th which marks the end of World War II in Europe. Many homes in the United States had Victory Gardens during the war.

There will be non-contact curbside pick-up at the Veterans Memorial on South Front St., Milton from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a limit of six free plants per household.

In addition to recognizing veterans, it is also a “Salute” to the many hardworking essential workers during the Covid pandemic with a special recognition of the employees of the Milton Conagra/Chef Boyardee Plant who have been working 24/7 to keep up with market demand during the pandemic.

The event and free giveaway of the tomato plants are a symbolic tribute to Chef Hector Boiardi who established, along with his brothers Mario and Paul, the Chef Boyardee Food Products Co. in Milton in 1937. The Milton site was selected primarily because of the region’s capabilities to provide the primary product ingredient – tomatoes.

The Chef Boyardee plant manufactured many of the rations to feed the soldiers during WW2. In 1942 the company was awarded the prestigious Army Navy “E” Award for manufacturing excellence.

During the tomato plant give away, the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program will provide information and helpful tips for beginning gardeners on establishing a Victory Garden. In addition, recipients will also receive the link to watch recordings the Victory Garden Reinvented webinar series.

The “Victory Garden Reinvented!” webinar series is available on the Penn State Extension website https://extension.psu.edu/victory-garden-reinvented-series.
“In light of the coronavirus restrictions, people are stepping outdoors and gardening, many for the first time,” said Nancy Knauss, state Master Gardener coordinator. “Gardening benefits both the mind and body and the resulting high quality, fresh fruits and vegetables are an added bonus.”

T.I.M.E. plans to provide 1,200 free tomato plants during the event. Donations will be accepted to support the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way. Joanne Troutman/President & CEO/Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way stated: We have always valued our partnership with TIME and been proud of their leadership in our region. This giveaway is not just a creative and sustainable food solution for families in need, but we are also humbled to be the beneficiary of this great work.

TIME Board President Amanda Craig stated: These plants are a small gesture of thanks to all of our hometown heroes: the essential workers, ConAgra employees and veterans. Right now, small things will make a big difference long term, and we are so excited to share part of Milton’s tomato history with community members.

This project is supported through the generosity of the Conagra Brands Foundation. The goal of Chef’s Place/Boiardi Museum & Eatery Program is to teach people in the community skills on gardening, preparing healthy meals and snacks while building an understanding of nutrition and how to live a healthy lifestyle.