FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota is the land of plenty. Leading the nation in the production of agricultural crops such as spring wheat, canola, flax, honey, pulse crops and sunflowers, one can forget that hunger exists in this great state. However, one in ten people in North Dakota depend upon food pantries to keep hunger at bay. Approximately 40% of all food pantry clients are children. The number of senior citizens utilizing food pantries has also dramatically increased.
Food pantries typically receive large donations of canned and boxed goods from donors. Fresh fruits and vegetables are typically in short supply and are especially valuable for maintaining a healthy diet.
NDSU Extension Master Gardeners in the Fargo-Moorhead area started the initiative called Veggies for the Pantry in 2016 to fight hunger in the community and to increase access to fresh produce. The purpose of this initiative was to collect surplus home-grown fruits and vegetables from the community to support the Fargo Emergency Food Pantry. Master Gardeners staffed seven collection points strategically distributed across West Fargo and Fargo on Monday evenings and then delivered the produce to the pantry the following morning.
In 2017, Fargo-Moorhead Master Gardeners expanded their efforts. They staffed 11 produce collection points in West Fargo, Fargo, Moorhead, and Dilworth. The collection points were advertised through newspapers, television news interviews, social media and by word of mouth. American Crystal Sugar Company generously contributed funds to purchase portable signs.
Inspired by the success of Fargo-Moorhead Master Gardeners, McKenzie, McLean, and Ramsey Counties began their own initiatives in 2017.
In 2016, Master Gardeners in Fargo-Moorhead collected and delivered over 2000 lbs. of produce to the Fargo Emergency Food Pantry. This group expanded their efforts in 2017 and collected 5,956 lbs. of produce to benefit both the Fargo Emergency Food Pantry and Churches United for the Homeless (Moorhead).
McLean County and Ramsey County Master Gardeners collected 654 and 315 lbs. of produce respectively to benefit their local pantries. In total, Master Gardeners across the state collected 35,700 servings of fresh produce.
McKenzie County Master Gardeners used a different tactic to benefit their food pantry. They used Master Gardener grant money to publicize the pantry’s need for fresh fruits and vegetables. As a result, more home gardeners directly delivered their surplus to participating food pantries.
“Our clients’ faces light up when they realize not only that they will receive fresh produce, but someone in in the community thought about people needing help and decided to grow vegetables to help. Fresh fruits and vegetables donated through the Master Gardeners have brought many tears of joy!” Stacie Loegering, Executive Director, Emergency Food Pantry
NDSU Extension Master Gardeners are working to feed the hungry and improve their access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
— NDSU Extension
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