We are a small yet active pantry that has approximately 75 clients/families. We are open every other Thursday for two sessions. The first session is from 1-2:30 and the second lasts from 5:30-7:00. We have limited refrigerated storage so produce timing is pretty tight for our pantry. We have already made a connection with Pleasantville Community Garden of which I am very proud. On distribution days I am generally there up to 2 hours prior however, I am more than willing to pick up food from anywhere local
ProducePedia is a free resource that covers the types of fresh produce that can be delivered to food pantries. Each entry includes information on color, taste, and possible uses. People unfamiliar with the vegetable or fruit will learn how to use it, and those who are familiar with it still might learn a fun fact or two!
The Cooperative Extension sites have a wealth of information for any backyard gardener. Once you go to the site (each one if very different from the others) look for a link for “homes and gardens”, “landscape”, “consumer horticulture”, etc. to find information on improving your backyard garden. Neighboring state sites may offer information your own state’s site lacks.