If your backyard garden is producing more tomatoes, zucchini, peppers or herbs than you can use, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is asking you to share the harvest with neighbors in need.
“In the wake of the first harvests of the season, many gardeners find they have more vegetables, fruits and herbs than they could possibly use,” says Public Health Educator Rachel Redepenning. “While gardeners face a surplus, many food pantries need more fresh produce. We can balance the scales by donating those home-grown harvests before they spoil, helping feed our neighbors.”
The department’s Harvest for Hunger campaign encourages gardeners to donate extra fruits, vegetables and herbs to local food pantries before they go to waste. Public Health Educator Rachel Redepenning says many gardeners end up with more produce than they can use, while local hunger-relief organizations are struggling to keep enough fresh fruits and vegetables on their shelves as demand continues to grow.
She says the campaign helps increase access to healthy food for families experiencing food insecurity, reduces food waste, supports local gardening efforts and strengthens community connections. Gardeners can click here to find a participating food pantry nearby. Hunger-relief organizations interested in accepting donations can also register through the website.