Share garden overflow with Spokane Valley Partners

People planting their Spokane Valley gardens can plan a harvest for others as well.

Spokane Valley Partners will take fresh surplus produce for families in need who use the community food bank. People can participate by planting an extra row or bringing surplus fruits and vegetables to the food bank from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. No program registration is required.

“Every year people are pretty generous,” said Ken Briggs, CEO of Spokane Valley Partners. “It’s a way for people to use their surplus by donating it to the food bank. People who use food banks don’t always have access to the fresh produce that’s right from the garden. Now is the time to plant the gardens and put in a little extra for the food bank.”

Barbara Bennett, food bank director, said she has already received rhubarb to distribute as the first fresh food from area gardens.

“It just adds immensely to our families’ diet,” Bennett said.

“If you can, put in an extra row of plants for the food bank, and whenever they harvest, just bring it in. People generally end up with extra anyway. Why not share with someone who might not get some of that fresh produce? Most people have more than they need. It also can be a fruit from your trees.”

The food bank has two refrigeration units to store perishable food and Bennett is looking for a third. For more information, call the food bank at 928-7769.