Volunteer (!): Produce Distributions

Your local food bank- for folks in Lorain, Crawford, Erie and Huron counties that would be the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio - is right in the middle of produce distribution season. Our food bank's Farmers Market program is up and running and generally lasts from mid-summer through early fall. These events are direct on-site distributions of locally grown produce and are set up in parking lots, gymnasiums, grassy plains- anywhere we can fit thousands of pounds of produce to give away for free (read an article about a recent Farmers Market here). Second Harvest has almost thirty markets scheduled for this season- twice as many as they held last year. The fruits and vegetables vary from market to market but include things like cucumbers, corn, turnips, green peppers, celery, cabbage, radishes, lettuces, various squash, onions, peaches, apples, leeks, cilantro, parsley and tomatoes.

Washington Ave. Market (photo by Stefanie Flores)

Standing out in the sun handing out dirty turnips (dirty as in dirt as in fresh from the field (amazing), not dirty as in naughty (although I might like to contemplate what a naughty turnip would mean)) might not sound like a way you'd like to spend your afternoon, but i can assure you this is one of the best volunteer gigs I've had. Talking to people in line and hearing their stories always reminds me of how much all of us have in common.  Plus, if you are income qualified- and I am- you can go home with a brand new spaghetti squash or radish package.  Interested? Comment below or send me a message and I'll send you a schedule. 

For more information about your local food bank see Second Harvest's Summer 2010 newsletter below.  

Summer Newsletter 2010