Ashley Franscell, Daily Herald file photo

Ten percent of Utah’s residents, or 317,000 people, are unsure where their next meal will come from. It is not unusual for teachers to hear from students about having little or no food in their homes. The local food banks and pantries are experiencing an increase in families and individuals needing food. Springtime, when we plan and plant our gardens, is a good time to plan ways to share with those in need. Here are a few ideas.

Community gardens and sharing

Many communities and neighborhoods have community garden spaces for people to do their own planting. In many cases, the people take what they want and the rest is donated to others who are in need.

Another great way to share is to have a designated spot in each neighborhood where extra produce from gardens can be placed. We’ve all probably ended up throwing away produce we didn’t use. This way, neighbors can take what they want, and some of it could also go to local food banks and pantries. While fresh produce from gardens won’t be ready for several weeks, we can start planning ways to donate some of it now.

Grow a row, give a row

While planning this year’s garden, consider planning some rows to be designated for others. Sometimes gardeners “grow a row, give a row,” meaning they keep half the bounty for themselves and give half of it away. Others invite people to come and pick what is left and unwanted. Taking that extra to be donated to those in need is easy and will bless the lives of the recipients.

Fresh produce drives or scavenger hunts

Trying to think of a fun service activity? Many groups hold fresh produce drives or fresh produce scavenger hunts around their neighborhoods and then donate the items to a pantry or food bank. Fresh produce is often lacking in the diets of the food-insecure. It can be more expensive than other, less nutritious items.

Themed food drives

Jeremy Hall

Many people plan themed food drives that can be a lot of fun. When planning a barbecue for friends and family, ask each person to bring a picnic item to be donated. These could include cans of beans, olives, fruit, veggies, bottles of ketchup, mustard, pickles and bags of chips, bottles of water and lemonade, salt and pepper, and other condiments and spices.

Other ideas for food drive themes include: breakfast foods, lunch foods, dinner foods, foods that begin with letters of the alphabet, “A Taste of Italy” or the “Ten Most Wanted.” A quick phone call to a local pantry or food bank to ask what its 10 most wanted items are could make this a fun way to gather needed donations.

Walk, run, hike or cycle for food

Utah County is full of people who love to be outdoors hiking, walking, cycling and running. Why not plan a “Walk for Food” event, especially now that spring is in the air? For each mile or block or half-hour walked, friends and neighbors donate a can of food or a couple of pieces of fresh produce. This could be a fun family or friend group activity.

For more information about donating food, go to tabithasway.org or communityactionprovo.org.

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