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Consider planting an extra row to share this year

It is hard to believe this is the one-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic.

While many restrictions are easing and the distribution of the vaccine is expanding, people are still struggling with illness, joblessness and food insecurity. According to the Economic Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture Food Security in the United States report of February 2021, food insecurity is defined as lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

“The Data Brief: Pennsylvania Food Insufficiency Reached New High at the End of 2020” released February 12, 2021, from researchers at the Penn State College of Agriculture Sciences indicated that more than 12% of Pennsylvania households are experiencing hunger. This is the highest rate since the pandemic began and it impacts all Pennsylvanians, including perhaps your neighbor or others living in your community.

You can help by planting an extra row or two of vegetables in your garden this year.

Everyone needs healthy, good food and there is nothing better than produce fresh from the garden. Unfortunately, for those that rely on food assistance from some food banks, food pantries or other organizations, fresh produce may not always be an option.

Many food banks and pantries will gladly accept donations of these products, it just takes a little preplanning from the person making the donation. If you donate food to a food bank you are protected by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act that was signed into law in 1996. The purpose of this act was to encourage people, companies and other organizations to donate healthy foods to non-profit organizations.

The bill protects against civil and criminal liability if the items were donated in good faith but later caused harm or illness. This includes produce from a home garden as well as other donated products.

If you think you might want to donate produce from your garden, here are some tips to keep in mind to provide those in need with wholesome, nutritious, fresh and delicious food.

First, check with your local organizations to see if they are willing to accept fresh produce donations at their site. If the answer is yes, then iron out details as to the day’s donations will be accepted, types of produce they will accept and other guidelines they may have on food donations.

Iowa State University Extension’s 2017 publication “Top 13 vegetables to donate to food pantries,” recommend the following items to donate: tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and green beans.

According to the 2013 article “Donating Surplus Garden Produce, Fresh Produce Donation Guidelines for Gardeners,” by Michigan State University Extension, if you will be using pesticides or manure in your garden, be sure to follow directions carefully to minimize the risk of potential contamination. This is especially important when it comes to number of days to harvest after application of the pesticide or fertilizer.

When harvesting be sure to follow safe food handling practices. Wash hands before starting and use clean tools to cut or harvest the produce. If you have a cut on your hand be sure it is bandaged and wear a single use glove. If you are sick, especially with vomiting or diarrhea, do not harvest foods.

Harvest produce early in the morning. Wipe as much mud and dirt off the product as possible, but do not wash or rinse. The added water can remove some of the natural protective coatings and will cause produce to spoil sooner than unwashed produce.

Do not mix different types of produce in containers and always use clean, food grade containers or bags. Plastic bins or containers that can be washed and reused, plastic bags used for food storage, or cloth bags that can be washed and reused are best. Never place food in containers that held chemicals or raw meat products as this can lead to cross contamination and possible foodborne illness.

Once picked, transport product as quickly as possible to the donation site.

Do not donate fruits and vegetables that are overripe, have signs of mold or other signs of spoilage, bruises, or insect damage. If you would not eat it do not donate it!

If you have questions on gardening contact the Master Gardeners at (717) 248-9618. This year, plan to plant an extra row to share with those in need in your community.

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