How to use your garden to help others

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By OutdoorWoman
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Tomatoes ripening on the vine

Most home gardeners experience a unique type of happiness by sharing their garden bounty. They even grow extra to share with friends and family, and often, they still have surplus produce that ends up in the compost pile. With food prices rising, more people are turning to food pantries to help feed their families. What better way to utilize your extra tomatoes, cucumbers and other produce than to donate it to your local pantry?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

surplus garden fruits and vegetables
a box or bag
telephone

Step 1

Find food pantries in your area by typing in your zip code at SecondHarvest (secondharvest.org). If there are no pantries nearby, call some of the churches in your area.
Step 2

Call the pantry closest to you and ask if they have special procedures for donating fresh produce, and get hours of operation and directions to the drop-off point.
Step 3

sweet peppers

Gather your surplus produce and put into a bag or box.
Step 4

Load your car and deliver your goods.
Step 5

Smile and feel the warmth inside, knowing that you have just helped bring nutritious, fresh produce to families that otherwise might go without. Fresh produce is often a luxury to low-income families.
Step 6

Repeat the process as more produce ripens.

Tips & Warnings

Spread the word to the gardeners you know. They may have extras as well, and you could ask them to drop off surplus at your house or directly at the pantry.
Next season, consider growing an extra row specifically for the pantry.
If you are a member of a garden club, or active in your church, ask them to put something in their newsletter or allow you to speak for a few minutes about donating to the pantries.
Write a letter to the editor calling on others to share their garden extras.
If you have children, involve them! Have a discussion about hunger in America, and about helping others. They may want to canvass the neighborhood and hold a "produce drive."
Fresh herbs are welcome too!
If you grow flowers, consider donating a few bunches as well. They can help brighten the pantry or bring a little extra happiness to someone in need.
Warning: the good feelings this activity can bring may be addictive.