With the calendar flipping to June, the gardening season is in full swing! Consider planting an extra row or pot to donate fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables to your local food pantry. Donating is not just limited to backyard gardeners, urban gardeners can grow cucumbers, herbs, tomatoes, and zucchini on their balconies and patios. It’s an easy opportunity to help those who are food insecure.
To get started donating produce, contact your local food pantry to confirm that they accept fresh produce and what days they are able to do intake. Ideal produce are varieties that are recognizable to most clients, simple to prepare and enjoy, can be used in many different ways, and can be stored for many days. The most popular crops to donate include: apples, beans, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, greens (including herbs), onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini.
After the garden is planted, remember these best practices when harvesting:
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- Wash your hands before starting
- Place produce in a clean container
- Do not donate produce that is diseased, damaged, or contaminated with insects
- Use clean tools, equipment, and harvest containers; sanitize after use
- If there is visible dirt, lightly wash under cool water until no dirt remains
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Avoid donating crops with cracks or spots, sprouts or scorched areas. While “ugly” or imperfect produce may still be edible and nutritious, it likely won’t be taken immediately and most pantries don’t have the capability to store excess produce. Offer only good quality, freshly picked produce that you would use yourself. Don’t worry if you don’t have an incredible amount every week, every small donation has a tremendous impact on those in the community. No amount is too small!
If there is not a local pantry near you, consider other ways to share fresh nutritious food with others. Look for local organizations that could help distribute it or share with neighbors and other families in need. Find a list of local food pantries here: https://calumet.extension.wisc.edu/files/2015/10/Calumet-Outagamie-Winnebago-Food-Pantry-listing.pdf
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Something eating your plant? Need help identifying a tree? Interested in the best way to care for your lawn? Submit your questions online!
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| Kaitlin Bricco, Horticulture Educator |
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An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.
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