Hunger Project Brings Fresh Produce to Less Fortunate
|  Video
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| Retha Colclasure |
| 3/3/2010 |
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| For most North Dakotans, getting fresh fruits and vegetables is as easy as going to a local grocery store or farmers market, but for people with limited income, fresh produce can be too expensive. A new program through the Department of Agriculture aims to make fresh foods more accessible. We can`t exactly go out and plant a garden right now, but when the snow melts and spring comes, the Ag Department hopes that those in the state with a green thumb will put it to good use. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of our nutritional needs. But for those who have trouble just getting enough food to survive, fresh produce can be out of reach. "Some of our goals are simple, yet I believe they are attainable. That is to produce one-half million pounds of produce here in North Dakota to be distributed to our food pantries," said North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. Goehring and several other agencies and organizations that combat hunger in our state kicked off the Hunger Free North Dakota Garden Project. The project aims to cut down on hunger, and connect those who grow food with those who need it. "It`s going to impact lives of thousands, tens of thousands of people in our state in a very direct and very meaningful way," said Steve Sellent, Lutheran Social Services Great Plains Food Bank program director. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the biggest dietary gap in food banks across the state. Individuals or groups who want to participate can begin community gardens, and donate the bounty to a food pantry. Those who sell produce at farmer`s markets can also make a difference. "I think of the times I go to market carrying thousands of pounds in the back of my truck, and sometimes maybe I don`t sell out. This is an opportunity to bring these to Ruth Meiers House or any place that needs some vegetables and drop them off," said Dwight Duke of Northern Great Plains Sustainable Agricultural Society Board of Directors. The Hunger Free North Dakota Garden Project will also work on educating people about canning and freezing produce, so there will be a supply available year round. It`s easy to sign up and be involved in the program. Everyone in the state, as an individual or a community, can be a Hunger Free North Dakota gardener. Sign a pledge card and return it to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. Call 800-242-7535 or email suebalcom@nd.gov. Each community will be responsible to gather the gardeners and find volunteers to assist the food pantries in distribution. Dedicate produce from a portion of a home garden, community garden, or a school garden to be donated to the local food pantry or church. If you don`t garden, help by raising funds, community gardening, or volunteer to help the food pantry with distribution. All edible crops are eligible, including lettuce, radish, carrots, herbs, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet corn, peas, greens, beans, cucumbers, squash and pumpkin. Please limit zucchini to one plant per community. For more information, contact: North Dakota Department of Agriculture 600 East Blvd Ave, #602 Bismarck, ND 58505 Phone: 701-328-4763 Email: suebalcom@nd.gov |
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