This is the perfect time to make a plan for how you might share your bumper crop of home-grown veggies with your neighbors. Food prices continue to take a toll on many families' budgets, and your backyard abundance could make a difference.
Did your home garden produce more than your family can eat? Give your veggies a mission this summer! Here are five ways to share the love:
- Did you know that many food pantries would gladly accept any excess harvest from your garden to share with your local community? Foodfinder.us can help you find a food pantry near you.
- Make it even easier for your neighbors to get what they need by bringing produce to a Little Free Pantry near you (or make your own!). Include printed cards with your favorite simple recipe that includes your donated vegetables and other accessible ingredients.
- No pantry? No problem. Arrange your veggies on a table in your front yard or driveway and let your neighbors know they are welcome to take what they like. Tape a "Free Zucchini" sign to the table and you are ready to go. Bonus idea: Include some repurposed bags and print out simple recipes.
- Post your offering on a local networking site like FaceBook or BuyNothing and let your network know you have some veggies free for the taking.
- Use as many of your extra vegetables as possible to make and deliver a delicious and filling meal for a neighbor in need - a new mom, someone recovering from a medical procedure or illness, or a senior.
Learn more about hunger in America and in your community and learn more about how YOU can help at Feeding America.
