GUEST POST BY KGWALLS
The Rubies of Summer
I have gardened for years and it is a joy planning what to put in the three large gardens. I can provide for four families, but, even at that, what do you do with the extra?
I had decided to downsize.
Every conversation with me somehow turns to the garden and in talking with a family friend who helps with the local food pantry, I found out, “They would gladly take any overflow.”
There was re-planning and a new excitement, what would they like?
Over the growing season with no rain to speak of and abundance of bugs I ended up with mostly tomatoes. Big beautiful Beef Steak tomatoes. I hand picked each one inspecting all for imperfections. I wanted who ever received them to know that they, like the tomatoes, were important. I am a firm believer in giving the best. I can keep the ones that have a bad spot and needs to be eaten soon.
If you are going to give it away make sure it is as nice as possible.
It is hard enough to go to a food pantry, without getting fresh vegetables that aren’t fresh.
I got a call from my son the evening after my first delivery; a neighbor of his had received a large tomato in his box of staples and was showing it off. David took one look and knew where that tomato had come from. “Mom, you donated tomatoes didn’t you? I knew that they were yours!”
Talk to your local food pantry and see if they can handle fresh vegetables and if so next year throw in an extra plant, or three. Next year I will be trying again. Beans, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers and of course Big Red tomatoes, the rubies of summer.
12 comments:
Great idea!!! I wonder if there is a food pantry near me, I have never seen a mention in the paper. For that matter how do people find one if they are in need? Susan
You are an incredibly generous and giving person!
My sister is an amazing green thumb girl who truly cares about the people around her. I am not surprised that she has donated her best tomatoes to others. I am so proud of her.
Why would people donate damaged, bruised fruit and vegetables? How horrible!
I could eat everyone of them in that basket. They all look so yummy. I'm going to bookmark this page so come winter, I can revisit to remember the taste of summer. Pat
A wonderful post! I loved reading about your gardens and marvel at your energy in maintaining them year after year. I can barely keep up with my pitiful little back yard square, much less have an abundance to donate.
You have an amazing, generous heart. The world would be a better place if there were more people like you in it. I think you should run for President of the United States.
I have a friend that asked her wedding guests to donate food to a food pantry instead of buying her gifts. I thought that was a lovely thing to do! You took a harder but more rewarding path.
LOL. I would vote for you for President. Lord know we could use another choice.
I LOVE this idea. I don't think my food bank takes fresh ANYTHING. They are always soliciting for canned goods, cereal, etc. Although, I saw something in the paper the other day.... Hmmm...
You are an amazing person. Not many people would have even thought to do that, let alone planned and planted with that in mind. God Bless.
Now that the gardening season is all but over and Sissy starts to plan for next year; what kind of vegetables would you like to get if you needed some?
Tomatoes for sure, maybe green beans. I think most people like them. Is corn possible? Nicki
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