Vegetable gardens should be in high gear now. If you've been wondering what to do with all those beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes, a great way to make them go further is to donate it to a local food pantry or Plant a Row for the Hungry program.
Plant a Row for the Hungry is a grassroots program started by the Garden Writer's Association (GWA) to encourage gardeners to donate their extra produce to families who need it. Fresh produce can be e expensive and many families do without. "Since 1995, American gardeners have donated over 14 million pounds of herbs and vegetables to feed the hungry in our local neighborhoods and communities." GWA has more information about how you can participate in Plant a Row and the difference it can make. They will even tell you where you can donate and how to start a program in your own community. You don't have to have bushels to make a difference.
Photo: © Marie Iannotti
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For those who have a large enough harvest, consider sharing some of it with your neighbors in need.
People who need to use food banks/food pantries/food shelves to help feed their families (about 1 out of 6 Americans) almost never have the opportunity to get fresh produce.
You can help… visit http://www.AmpleHarvest.org to find a neighborhood food pantry eager for your garden bounty (and if you know of a food pantry in your community that is not listed on AmpleHarvest.org, urge the pantry to register…. its free!)
Help your community by reaching into your backyard instead of your back pocket.