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Squashing Hunger in
Our Neighborhoods
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by Lorrie Graham
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Last summer I noticed a box
of produce in the Co-op, just past the stack of shopping baskets as you
enter the store. At the time I didn't give it much thought, or if I
did, probably assumed it was someone's groceries. This summer, there it
was again, a box filled with zucchini and other fresh vegetables, but
this time I noticed a sign that said "Squash Hunger." So I did what
comes naturally in 2009, I "Googled" Squash Hunger Albany NY. The
Squash Hunger Program, I learned, which is part of Capital District
Community Gardens, collects fresh produce and takes it to local food
pantries, homeless shelters and soup kitchens for distribution to those
in need. This program runs, essentially, for the growing season--
mid-June through the end of October.
Honest Weight supports the local community in myriad ways, one of which
is by making space available for a Squash Hunger collection box. This
program makes it easier for individuals to donate to their local food
pantry because it eliminates the need to make a special trip during the
pantry's hours of operation. I know that the Focus Food Pantry on State
Street in downtown Albany only takes donations for a few hours during
the middle of the day. With Squash Hunger, the volunteers pick-up the
donated fruits and vegetables from 11 collections points located in
Albany, Delmar, Guilderland, Latham, Schenectady, West Sand Lake,
Rensselaer and Troy. Then the volunteers take the food to pantry
locations in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Troy West Sand Lake,
Altamont and Cohoes the same day or the next morning.
By the way, the Co-op collection box fills so quickly that it needs to
be picked up three times a week, compared to once a week at other
locations!
Many of the collection sites are CSA (community supported agriculture)
pick-up locations, where the CSA members may donate some of their
weekly share or others in the area may make contributions. If you check
out the website, www.cdcg.org/SquashHunger.html,
or call the Capital District Community Gardens office, 518-274-8685,
you can get a complete listing of drop off locations.
Since its inception in 2004, over 50,000 pounds of produce have been
donated by the community to the Squash Hunger Program, allowing those
who depend upon food pantries to eat fresh fruits and vegetables during
the growing season. While talking to Audrey, who coordinates the Squash
Hunger program, she told me that food pantries have only non-perishable
foodstuffs to give out to their clients. While canned and boxed foods
are better than having nothing to eat, the staff and clients of the
pantries gladly welcome fresh foods that are in season.
Audrey said that in late summer/early fall there are plenty of zucchini
being donated (please, no baseball bat size squash), and others years
they have gotten lots of tomatoes. However, don't forget the other
things we can all grow or donate: cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, kale,
onions, garlic, herbs and fresh beans. All are greatly appreciated.
Want to help? The Capital District Community Gardens can always use
more hands for collection and distribution, gardeners who are willing
to put in an extra row or two earmarked for Squash Hunger or whose
gardens produce more than they can use, and those who purchase extra
produce to donate.
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