STRATFORD, CT (July 26, 2017) — Last year, the Stratford Health Department developed a tool to help connect neighborhood food pantries with backyard gardeners wishing to share their excess homegrown produce with neighbors in need.
The website – www.townofstratford.com/DonateProduce – allows gardeners who find themselves with excess produce and want to share part of their harvest with others the ability to find information about local pantries along with the days and times donations will be accepted. Additionally, the website offers a list of healthy non-perishable food donation suggestions for those who want to become involved in the movement, but may not garden.
Along with the website, the Stratford Health Department is continuing its partnership with The Farm at Stratford Community Garden located at Pirhala Fields Park on Connors Lane to collect and distribute produce donations. The sign containing information about produce donations can be seen at the entrance of the farm along with our trusting donation bin where community garden patrons can leave produce for a Wednesday morning pick up. Our Health Department staff will continue in the collection and distribution of fresh produce to local food pantries each week.
As of 2016, an estimated 12% of Connecticut residents were considered food insecure; relying on local pantries to help feed their families. The donations being given from backyard gardeners are helping many Stratford pantries meet the growing demands while giving residents healthier food options to choose from.
“The Resource Connection’s food pantry at Sterling House strongly believes in providing our customers the opportunity to receive fresh produce,” states Sterling House Social Worker Samuel Jimenez, “our customers express to us that fresh produce is not an option but rather a necessity for healthy eating and sustaining an overall healthy lifestyle, that many times over is not afforded to them to have, due to high prices at their local grocery retailers. Knowing that they are able to access fresh produce through a community-based initiative for free is not only exciting, but crucial for optimum well-being.”
For more information on the campaign or to find out how you can add your pantry to the food donation directory contact the Stratford Health Department at 203-385-4090 or healthdepartment@townofstratford.com.
This press release is made possible by:
