Food bank starts vegetable garden to fill pantry

[Liberal_in_LA]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/taste/stories/020309dnlivfoodbank.171e0bff.html

Ailing Frisco food bank starts vegetable garden

04:00 PM CST on Tuesday, February 3, 2009

By JONATHAN BETZ / WFAA-TV

FRISCO - You've heard the stories - food banks in dire need of help because they are running out of food.

Across the country, food pantries are struggling to keep food on the shelves because more people are asking for help.

But workers in Frisco are getting creative to meet the growing demand of people who need food.

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Facing record demand, while struggling with a drop in donations, directors at Frisco's Family Services decided to get back to basics, by starting a garden where volunteers will soon grow food to give to needy families.

"The number of folks coming through the food pantry are at an all time high and to continue to feed those folks is costing more and more," said Jill Cumnock.

The pantry currently buys all of its perishables.

To save money, directors will rely on donations and volunteers to grow and harvest the food. Frisco mother, Jennifer Hall, adopted a small garden.

"I expect to spend time out here every week, nurturing the plot, so I can give as much as possible," she said.

For charities it's a way to bring rising food costs down to earth.

[mmmkay]

1. This is totally awesome! People need fresh, healthy food!

I've never been inside a food pantry, but they always ask for canned good. Usually prepared food, which doesn't go far, usually has many additives, and no enzymes.

[Liberal_in_LA]

5. they give out a lot of canned meat (ugh) and vegetables.

[kestrel91316]

2. Very smart move. And they can teach their customers how to grow food at the same time!

[tabbycat31]

3. great idea

I'm planning on growing some of my own food this year too. I'm thinking of starting from seeds, and am wondering when to start.

[grasswire]

4. your local county extension office...

...would have info on that. Or you could go to your local garden store and ask for advice. NJ is famous for its tomatoes, so you oughta be able to do well there!

[FedUpWithIt All]

6. We are trying to grow a larger garden this year so we will have some left to donate.

Money is tighter now but fresh veggies we can share.