Squashing Hunger in Our Neighborhoods
Coop Scoop:
October, 2009
by
Lorrie Graham
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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