Helping thy Neighbor

April 7, 2022

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!

  1. Lettuces, Salad Mixes. Many types of lettuces are a great option for fresh salads all summer long.
  2. Swiss Chard, Kale, Leafy Greens. These nutrient-dense greens grow quickly and easily.
  3. Cucumbers. Vining cucumbers produce the most while bush cucumbers tend to produce slightly less fruit.
  4. Tomatoes. Although you'll have to wait about 80 days to harvest, expect to harvest about 10 to 15 pounds of fruit per plant!
  5. 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.

 

July 30, 2026
There’s something about summer that makes even the simplest meal feel like a celebration.
July 27, 2026
Summer vacation is an exciting time packed with trips, camps, and sports, but we’ve all reached that point where we hear those dreaded words: “I’m bored!” With GBU Life’s Give Back Group benefit, you can keep your family busy while helping others without the pressure of covering project costs.
July 23, 2026
It is time, once again, for the GBU Life annual summer photo contest! Send us your favorite photo that depicts the contest theme, The Golden Hour.
Donor Spotlight: Kathy and Leslie Megyeri
July 16, 2026
Building a Home and Community for Vulnerable Veterans
2026 GBU Life Board of Directors Election
July 13, 2026
We are pleased to present the candidates for the 2026 GBU Life Board of Directors election.
Executive Message & Financial Report
By Mark Cloutier July 13, 2026
As Chief Financial Officer, part of my role is to help ensure GBU Life remains financially strong, provides good value to its members and is able to meet future benefit obligations.
Cl
June 4, 2026
GBU Life members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, which is themed The Golden Hour.
May 28, 2026
Is It Time to Update Your Will?
May 21, 2026
October 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
May 18, 2026
2025 Financial Impact Report