Squash Hunger

One of the best things about summer is the abundance of fresh produce. One way to make sure that everyone can enjoy fresh produce is to volunteer for Capital District Community Gardens’ Squash Hunger program.

The Squash Hunger programs collects and distributes fresh fruit and vegetables to food pantries and shelters throughout the Capital District. Why is this important? Much of the food available at shelters and food pantries is canned or boxed. I never really thought about that until I started volunteering myself.

Here’s how it works. First, fresh produce is collected. There are lots of ways this can be done. You can grow produce for the program. Buy extra at the market. Participate in one of Capital District Community Gardens’ (CDCG) gleaning opportunities.

The next step is distributing the produce. You can drop it in any of the donation locations in the Capital District. If there isn’t one in your area, you can do what I do and take it to a local food pantry. If you decide to take it to a food pantry, let CDCG know so they can keep track of how much produce is being distributed.

I live near the small village of Round Lake. There are a number of families in the village that have CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) or shares at Denison Farm.  Denison Farm follows the national organic standards and are  “Certified Naturally Grown”.

Squash Hunger bin at the CSA site in Round Lake. This week’s haul: cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, romaine and bok choi.

There is a Squash Hunger bin at the CSA collection site in Round Lake. Every Thursday morning I pick up what the families put in the bin and then take it to the food pantry at the United Methodist Church in Jonesville. Easy peasy.

So get involved! If you need more information, contact CDCG at (518) 274-8685, www.cdcg.org or leave me a comment below.