Grow Extra to Share!
One out of six Americans is food insecure, meaning they don’t know from where their next meal will come. No matter where you live, there are people in your community that are experiencing hunger. Food pantries help fill in the gaps but are continuously lacking in healthy, fresh produce to offer. Luckily, you can help alleviate this issue in your own neighborhood!
As home gardeners, you are already doing a wonderful thing when you grow your own food. You know that it is good for you, your family, and the environment. By planting just a little extra to donate, you can improve the health of your community as well. When you donate your excess garden bounty, you are helping to relieve hunger and making an impact on obesity and other food-related diseases.
Consider planting an extra row or even a few additional plants to donate to a local food pantry. And if you find yourself with a runaway zucchini plant or another bountiful crop that gives you more than you can eat, don’t let it go to waste! Even a small donation will help increase food security in your area.
Don’t waste any food this year! Donate it to a pantry near you so that there is No Food Left Behind!
Find a Pantry
Click here to enter your zip code to find a registered pantry near you! Then, click on that pantry to learn more about them including crucial information like their hours of operation and how much fresh produce they can accept in one delivery. When in doubt, give them a call! Most pantries are happy to answer your questions and make donating easy!
Share Your Produce
Once you find a food pantry or food bank near you, it’s time to donate your extra produce! Most food pantries have specific drop-off days and times so be sure to find out when they are available to receive donations. Please be sure to only donate food that is high-quality enough that you yourself would eat it. Donations need to be relatively clean and of a suitable ripeness. Even small donations are welcome at most pantries! Or you can always pool your resources with your neighbors to form a larger donation!
Consider donating regularly to the pantry closest to you. Your contribution will go directly to the hungry people in your community. You will have the gratitude of your community and all of us here at Down To Earth Community Gardens. In fact, we would love to hear about your donations! Send a pm to our Facebook page or an email to tmyer58@hotmail.com and let us know how much produce you were able to share. You can also visit our Facebook page and post the information there too, be sure to use hashtag #IShared on your Social Media & Instagram photos.