May is Older Americans Month in the Feeding America community, which means it is a time to reflect and understand the needs of Older Americans in the United States that have food insecurity. In Colorado this issue is just as important as it is in the rest of the country and one that the Food […]
Calling all gardeners in Larimer County! As a joint partnership between the Gardens on Spring Creek and the Food Bank for Larimer County, Plant it Forward is a community activation campaign that encourages gardeners to plant, grow, and share some of their fresh produce with community members in need. This May, community members in Larimer County are urged to grow an extra row in their garden to donate to the Plant it Forward program.
“At this time of the year, Larimer County gardeners can decide to help the most vulnerable in our community by planting extra in their gardens,” explains Michelle Provaznik, Director, Gardens on Spring Creek. “Each member of the community can make a difference; no donation is too small.”
Of the nine million pounds of food the Food Bank distributes annually, the non-profit is working hard to get half of its distribution to be fresh vegetables and fruit. Produce donations from Plant it Forward directly benefit individuals, families, seniors, and children who receive food from the Food Bank for Larimer County’s Food Share pantry.
Plant it Forward corresponds with the growing season. The program starts accepting produce donations in May and will continue to accept through the first freeze, usually in October. Individuals, families, churches, neighbors, and workplace groups are all welcome to participate.
The 2016 goal for Plant it Forward is 35,000 pounds of fresh food collected and delivered to the Food Bank. In 2015, over 31,000 pounds was delivered through the program and used immediately for those in need in the Food Share pantry.
Community members can drop off produce directly to the Food Bank for Larimer County, 1301 Blue Spruce, Monday through Friday (8 a.m.–4 p.m.), or at the Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., Saturday (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Sunday (noon-5 p.m.). For more information, please visit www.plantitforwardnoco.org.
