Got a green thumb? Consider donating homegrown produce to Food Bank of Delaware
MILFORD, Del. – The Food Bank of Delaware (FBD) is calling on those with a green thumb and a heart for helping.
Calling All Gardeners!
Kim Turner, Vice President of Communications for FBD, says when many people think of food pantries, boxed or canned goods come to mind. However, they’re calling on gardeners to donate fresh, homegrown fruits and veggies.
“We can accept fresh donations as well,” Turner said. “And, we’re heading into that part of summer where we always hear from people, ‘I have so many tomatoes and I don’t know what to do with them!'”
Providing Nutrition and Dignity
Whether you have a small garden or a large one, Turner says that the FBD and food pantries across the state need fresh produce. “Every little bit helps our neighbors in need because a lot of people that we serve have diet-related conditions,” she said.
When you donate produce to the FBD, the fruits and veggies will be distributed through its headquarters’ healthy pantry center. Turner says doing that helps provide choice to patrons, while also cutting back on food waste by letting people pick the foods that they want.
“We want to give people a sense of dignity, and we want to provide them a choice,” Turner said. “We know that not everyone eats the same food. So, we have a small shopping area set up in our facility in Milford, where people can push a grocery cart just like they would at the grocery store, and they can select items off the shelves.”
Get Involved
It’s a great way to connect with the FBD’s mission of serving others, says Turner.
“Some people might not be able to come out to the facility to volunteer, but want to do something to get involved,” Turner said. “This is an easy way for people to get involved right from their own backyards.”
FBD officials ask that any donated produce be cleaned, and not packed in garbage bags—they are not food grade. Donations can be dropped off at the FBD headquarters in Milford. For more information, click here.
