There is one trend that occurs each spring that we can all remember to fight against. Food donations typically begin to decrease during spring and into the summer months. While donations decrease, food insecurity does not.

Community gardens and sharing

It’s about time to plant gardens. Many communities have community garden spaces where people can do their own planting. In many cases, the people take what they want and the rest is donated to others who are in need. This is a great way to enjoy gardening and share at the same time.

Having a designated spot in each neighborhood where extra produce from gardens can be placed is something we see a lot in Utah Valley. We’ve all probably ended up throwing away produce that we didn’t use; this way, neighbors can take what they want, and some of it could also go to the local food banks and pantries. While most 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,” keeping some of the bounty for themselves while giving 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 the pantries 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

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.” Currently, some of the most wanted or needed items at Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry in Pleasant Grove include condiments, canned tomatoes, canned beans, size 5 diapers, baby wipes and cereal.

Walk, run 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.

Volunteer

It’s always a good time to volunteer to help those facing hunger. “Every day is a new chance to make a difference in someone’s life, whether by stocking shelves, organizing donations, or offering a kind word to those in need. Your time and effort help ensure that families facing food insecurity have access to essential resources,” states a recent post on the Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry North County Facebook page.

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