Every Summer, at every party, in every office, they come. You know the ones I mean: THE GARDENERS. Those people either in your family or in your office that grow about 5 times the number of tomatoes any family might need, and then try to give them to you.
It becomes almost a joke. But instead, it could be really helpful. Tell these Green-Thumb Do-Gooders they're giving their produce to the wrong people!
Recently, I have found out what it's like to have to ASK FOR HELP - as in, I became too poor to be able to buy enough food for myself and my family. And it is an education, let me tell you! People tend to donate the off-brands, dented cans, dry goods they can't use. And they almost never give fresh fruits and vegetables.
I am asking you - if you garden, but you get more corn, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers than you can use, consider donating them to the local soup kitchen or food pantry. There, the people won't smile politely and then look at your gift like it's a third arm. The people at soup kitchens and food pantries won't consider it "extra"; they'll consider themselves really really LUCKY.
You know that for your own family, fresh fruits and vegetables are a NECESSITY for good health. Don't forget the people who can't quite make it this Season. They would like for their families to stay healthy too.
And wouldn't it be nice to know that your gardening effort really helped someone?
From those of us on the Chow Lines, thank you.
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