Sharing garden surplus with those in need is easier than you may think. The summer of 2011 left us with a terrific harvest. My garden was swimming with fresh vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. We’ve eaten like kings. We’ve passed along produce to our neighbors and friends. So, we shared this garden surplus with those who can really use it.
Photo copyright Kevin O’Connor.
According to Ample Harvest, one in six Americans (including a quarter of kids under 6 years old) aren’t eating fresh foods. That’s why we decided to share our garden surplus with those in need at the City Light Home for Women and Children in Boise.
The non-profit organization provides free meals and shelter to thousands of homeless women and children, as well as counseling, addiction recovery programs and other important services. In 2010, this hardworking center provided more than 96,000 meals to women and kids. I figured they could use some vegetables and herbs from my garden for a couple of those meals.
So, I loaded up a basket of produce, including heirloom eggplants of all types, tomatoes and peppers, as well as bunches of oregano, basil, thyme, spearmint and parsley. Then, I threw in a bag of green tomatoes, in case the cooks were craving some fried green tomatoes too.
Garden-fresh vegetables and herbs to share with others.
Photo copyright Kevin O’Connor.
Sharing garden surplus with those in need feels good! As I dropped off the bag at the center, it felt good to know that some of my homegrown produce was going to be served in upcoming meals. But I’m certainly not alone.
According to the Garden Writers Association, more than 14 million pounds of vegetables and herbs have been donated to the hungry by U.S. gardeners since 1995. It’s a generous effort and a great start, but there is a big need as well.
Hunger is a serious problem in the United States. More than 43 million Americans (half of which are children) now rely on food stamps for their daily needs, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Unfortunately, that number is getting worse with our current economic situation.
Meanwhile, I’ve decided to plant a row for the hungry next year. Interested in sharing garden surplus with those in need? Consider these tips:
- Call first to see if the organization would like your food donations. If it can’t use your garden surplus, it can tell you who might want your food instead.
- Find a local pantry if you have garden surplus to donate. That way you can provide produce straight from the garden when it’s needed. Help from Ample Harvest.
- Consider starting a local program with this advice from the Garden Writers Association.
- Read more about how your garden can fight hunger, from Judi Gerber in Care2.com. You can also find Judi on Twitter at @LAFarmGirl.
Learn about City Light Home for Women and Children. And about hunger in America.
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Also check with your local health department. Silly as it is, ours doesn’t allow donations from home gardens in “public” centers like the food pantry or shelters. We do, however, have two group homes for troubled youth nearby that are glad for the extras to feed hungry teenagers.
Hi Kristin: Good idea. Just another reason why people should always call the organization first. Using Ample Harvest’s search feature is also a good way to find local organizations that want and accept produce deliveries. Thanks for stopping by. Teresa
Kristin:
Federal law both protects and encourages donation of food from individuals to food pantries.
Visit http://ampleharvest.org/gardener-faq.php to learn more.
If you believe in “no food left behind” as we do, please urge the food pantry in your community to register at AmpleHarvest.org.
Hi Gary: We appreciate your comments. Ample Harvest looks like a wonderful organization, which is helping to end hunger by bringing together food pantries and home gardeners. Best of luck with your continued success. And everybody, definitely, go check out their website to learn more. Teresa
Oh the joys of harvesting and sharing!
So true, Kathleen. This is my favorite time in the garden. Harvest time!
Good info, Teresa. Sharing info & sharing homegrown veges.. You rock! Happy Autumn.
Kathy: Aren’t you sweet? I really felt like I’m the one who benefited the most by passing along my extra garden veggies and herbs to those in need. But I hope they enjoyed them too. With so many people struggling these days, it’s easy to help make a difference. Teresa
This is fantastic, Teresa! Good for you. And thanks for sharing this important inspiring story!
Why thanks, Kathryn. Just preparing another box to take down later this week. Appreciate your comments. All best, Teresa
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