Food donation facts

You don’t have to have a large garden to donate produce to your nearest food bank. Every pound of produce is welcome.

•Common vegetables and fruits, those that are available in the grocery store, are the most popular. Herbs and fragile greens should be brought in fresh from the garden the day of distribution or donated straight to agencies that cook meals.

•Don’t forget fall crops like tree fruit, squash and potatoes. These often store well for later use.

•Be sure you know when the food outlet you want to contribute to is accepting donations. Many of them operate only one day a week and can only take things at that time.

•Try to deliver the produce early enough to be available when they open their doors to clients.

• Vegetables should be cleaned and ready to go in bags for distribution.

•Ask for a Plant a Row for the Hungry receipt when you take in your donation. This will allow you to deduct $1.50 per pound from your federal taxes.

For more information

To find the nearest food bank go to Second Harvest’s Web site at www.2-harvest.org/ 2-harvest and click on the “Get Help” tab.