Calling all Lincoln green thumbs: The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is asking home and community gardeners to consider sharing surplus produce with local food pantries as part of its Plant for Hunger campaign.
“As spring gardening begins, we’re encouraging residents to dedicate a small portion of their garden to growing extra fruits, vegetables or herbs that can later be donated to local food pantries and meal sites,” said Rachel Redepenning, LLCHD Public Health Educator.
As gardeners typically find themselves with more produce than they can use, Redepenning reminds those in Lincoln that food pantries often struggle to source enough fresh fruits and vegetables to keep up with demand. To fill this gap, gardeners can locate nearby food pantries on AmpleHarvest.org and share their extra produce for neighbors to put to good use.
Redepenning said the Plant for Hunger campaign aims to increase local access to healthy food for families experiencing food insecurity while reducing food waste from home gardens. The program has the added benefit of encouraging community generosity and connection.
Food pantries and hunger-relief organizations interested in receiving donations can also register at AmpleHarvest.org.