Dear Heloise: I work as an editor for the Red Deer Advocate, the daily in Red Deer, Alberta. I handle your column – which has a big following here – in our Homes Pages.

Here’s a hint that might give your readers motivation to exercise and help the needy at the same time. My wife and I live in the country, where we have a large garden plot. In the past, we used only a portion of the soil. Last year, we set aside that unused space to grow vegetables specifically for our local soup kitchens and food banks. It means a little more exercise – but for a good cause. Soup kitchens and food banks are starving for fresh veggies. Keep it simple. We grew green beans, carrots and, in particular, lots of spuds. That healthy trio is very prolific. – Rick Zemanek, via e-mail

Readers, call first to be sure that food banks and soup kitchens can accept your garden goodies. Rick, thanks so much for writing and for working on this column! – Heloise