Producing Help

Gardeners Unite!  When is the last time you were asked to unite?  Perhaps the 1970s?  As we move into winter, now is the perfect time to unite around sharing the produce from your gardens and pantries.

All food pantries need help.  The guidelines and what they will accept may be different in each area, but, I guarantee there is something you could donate and that includes cash.  The cash is typically used for bulk purchases from the Food Bank.

Our local Galva Emergency Food Pantry, 311 N.W. 4th Ave. (back of the old F.U. White school), will accept excess garden produce, such as tomatoes, sweet corn, potatoes, onions, green beans, carrots, squash (and in season strawberries, cherries, apples, pumpkins and other).  All items need to be clean and free from damage.

Contact your Food Pantry (local contacts:  Pete V. 309-932-2317 or Terry W. 309-337-1214) from 9 am to 4 pm weekdays.  Contact your local ministerial association (or your pastor) to volunteer to work/staff the food pantry.

As you bag up some clean fresh produce, consider including non-food items such as diapers, feminine hygiene items, paper towels, toilet paper, dish washing liquid, laundry soap, etc. 


Seriously:  No one in the USA should go to bed hungry, but, many do.  No child should have to go to school without breakfast, but, many do.  No elderly person should have to decide between medications and food, but, some will.  No young family should have to decide between shoes and food, but, some must.

I've always maintained gardeners are the nicest and most generous of the people I know.  Not only share that beautiful garden plant with a friend, share your garden produce with a local food pantry.  Donate your garden bounty, your financial gifts, and your time.  Do so on a regular basis.  Make it a monthly project for your garden club or other group.  Teach your children and grandchildren the joy of helping others by your example.  Share the bounty!

Side Note:  Galva Food Pantry is usually looking for good used upright refrigerators.   

"A friend may well be the masterpiece of nature."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson