Helping thy Neighbor
Do you grow your own vegetables? If you're a gardener who'd like to help feed your neighbors, here are five vegetables that are easy to grow and keep growing!
- Lettuces, Salad Mixes. Many types of lettuces are a great option for fresh salads all summer long.
- Swiss Chard, Kale, Leafy Greens. These nutrient-dense greens grow quickly and easily.
- Cucumbers. Vining cucumbers produce the most while bush cucumbers tend to produce slightly less fruit.
- Tomatoes. Although you'll have to wait about 80 days to harvest, expect to harvest about 10 to 15 pounds of fruit per plant!
- Zucchini. These are best picked when eight inches long or smaller.
The need to help individuals and families combating hunger in the United States is real, especially so since the COVID-19 pandemic. As gardeners, we can do our part by growing and donating vegetables from our home gardens.
Here are ways you can share your bounty:
Local Food Banks. Con tact local food banks in your area to find out if they accept fresh produce. Some food banks offer free pickup.
Shelters. Check with your local shelters, soup kitchens. Many of them run solely on donations and welcome fresh produce.
Meals for the Homebound. Contact local programs, such as Meals on Wheels.
Service Organizations. Outreach programs to help families in need are often organized by churches and youth organizations.
Looking for funding to aid your community? GBU offers matching funds and project fund reimbursement through our GIVE BACK GROUPS for individual and groups of GBU members looking to make a difference in their communities.
Learn more at inside.gbu.org/benefits.
