The Food Bank of Delaware has launched a program to distribute surplus produce to those in need.
Here’s how the Plant a Row program works:
If you’re still planting later crops, plant an extra row. When the garden starts to produce, instead of letting the surplus harvest go to waste, bring it to the Food Bank warehouse in Newark (14 Garfield Way) or Milford (1040 Mattlind Way) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Food Bank plans to distribute the fresh produce through its network of 536 hunger relief partners statewide. Hunger relief partners include food closets, day care centers, shelters, senior centers, nonprofit organizations and others.
The network serves up to 114,000 food insecure Delawareans.
“Getting fresh local produce into the hands of those who need it most is a priority for us at the Food Bank of Delaware,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Patricia Beebe. “Families served through our network of hunger relief partners tell us they need more fresh fruits and vegetables. Food insecure adults are at a 50 percent greater risk for developing diabetes and a 20 percent greater risk of developing hypertension than other food secure adults. Getting fresh foods into the hands of those who need it most can help mitigate some of these health conditions.”
