Hello, my name is Gary Oppenheimer, the founder and executive director of AmpleHarvest.org. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to focus on the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with diabetes. For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, maintaining health isn’t just a monthly concern—it’s a daily necessity. Access to nutritious food is crucial for managing diabetes and preventing complications.
In 2009, I launched AmpleHarvest.org to address this need. Our nationwide initiative connects backyard gardeners with local food pantries, enabling them to donate their surplus produce. This provides a vital source of fresh, healthy food for those struggling with food insecurity, including people living with diabetes.
Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for diabetics to maintain stable blood sugar levels and stave off future health issues. Through AmpleHarvest.org, gardeners can easily share their bounty with neighbors in need, helping ensure that everyone has access to the nutrition they require.
Having diabetes is deeply personal for me. In 1995, my father passed away from complications related to diabetes, and the very morning of his passing, I learned of my own diagnosis. This experience fueled my passion for ensuring that no one, especially those with diabetes, lacks access to healthy food.
AmpleHarvest.org operates across the United States, with over 8,000 food pantries in our network and countless gardeners donating their excess produce. Yet, many more potential donors are unaware of the impact they can make. We need your support to expand our reach.
By donating to AmpleHarvest.org, you help end food waste, reduce hunger, and combat diet-related diseases. Your contributions allow us to connect more gardeners with pantries, ensuring fresh, nutritious food reaches those who need it most.
Join us in making a sustainable change. Your generosity can transform lives and empower communities to live healthier, more robust lives. Thank you.
