(Patty Wetli / WTTW News)
The gardening season may end in a year, Lake view pantry Sow to expect a fruitful partnership to produce fresh, locally produced produce for those in need coming next year.
Northside Food Pantry is affiliated with a non-profit organization Fresh food connect Launch a mobile app that allows home and local gardeners to donate some of their fresh produce to the Lakeview Pantry.
Bill Thomas, Senior Advisor and Former Chief Operating Officer of Lake View Pantry, said: “There is a need for fresh produce.”
According to Thomas, the average number of pantry visits is 50,000 a year, but last year it surged 400% to 200,000 in 2020.
“We’re on the line of 100,000 unique visits this year, so we haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels,” he said. “The needs are still very high.”
Fresh Food Connect, launched in 2016 as a pilot program between three Denver-based nonprofits, collects additional garden produce grown by the community and is a local individual facing food insecurity. And distribute to family members.
According to Kayla Birdsong, CEO of Fresh Food Connect, the pilot program not only helped people in need, but also helped gardeners reduce food waste. “It’s only natural that one crop really works … and suddenly you have more than your family can handle,” she said, and there’s no easy way for people to donate before the program. I added that. Their excess produce.
The company currently works with 55 different organizations across the country. Last year, Fresh Food Connect released a mobile app that connects gardeners with organizations working to combat food insecurity, according to Birdsong.
“Our mobile app is free for gardeners to use, even if you’re not a great gardener,” said Birdsong, who says organizations that use apps like Lakeview Pantry have “affordable” licenses. You will be billed. software.
According to Birdsong, this app helps connect gardeners with local hunger relief organizations and promote agricultural donations. (For gardeners who are interested in donating agricultural products, Sign up here.. )
“From the gardener’s point of view, it’s just three clicks of a button,” she said. “The great thing is to connect (you) with an organization that is ready to receive donations.”
And the Lake View Pantry is ready, says Thomas.
“There’s nothing we can’t take away from the backyard yard. Whatever we get (produce), we get it into the hands of those who need it very quickly. Turn, “he said.
According to Birdsong, residents of 24 zip codes can donate their produce to the Lakeview Pantry. If someone other than these zip codes downloads the app, they will be put on the waiting list until the local organization signs up through the app and accepts the donation. (Organizations interested in participating Send an email to Fresh Food Connect.. )
“Each person can make a difference, and this is really accessible,” Birdsong said. “We’re not just looking for people in the master garden to produce a lot. Even in the herb box in the kitchen, we can all grow a little extra.”
Learn more about Lakeview Pantry and how to sign up for Fresh Food Connect. Please visit that website..
Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz | (773) 509-5452 | [email protected]
Lakeview Pantry Announces Mobile App Accepts Local Agricultural Products | Chicago News
Source link Lakeview Pantry Announces Mobile App Accepts Local Agricultural Products | Chicago News
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