Plant It Forward
Whether you are a Master Gardener, garden as a hobby or are just looking for an excuse to get outdoors this Summer, please consider “planting it forward.” Donate some of your produce to the Food Shelf at Neighbors, Inc. Delicious, healthy produce is an especially welcome addition to our Food Shelf offerings during the Summer and Fall. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be expensive at the grocery store. It is wonderful to be able to give clients the nutritious produce at Neighbors, Inc. We couldn’t do it without your help! Here are some ways you can help:
1. Donate excess produce directly to Neighbors’ Food Shelf.
Bring in extra produce from your garden. It doesn’t matter how much or how little. We appreciate it all. Our Food Shelf is located on the lower level of our building and donations are accepted from 8am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Need help transporting items to Neighbors? Give us a call and we can talk about arranging a pick-up.
A farmer donating kale
Recipe for Kale Chips submitted by Kenny Robinson, Manager at The St. Paul Grill:
- Clean the kale and cut out the stocks leaving full leaves.
- Lightly toss in virgin olive oil just enough to cover the leaves very lightly.
- Add any seasoning you like, sweet, spicy, or just pepper and salt.
- In a 350 degree oven bake until the kale is crispy, should only take about 5 minutes.
2. Start a Giving Garden.
The Twin Cities are proud to boast quite a few Giving Gardens! In fact, there are so many they formed their own network. Check out their Twitter handle @mngivinggardens to find out the latest news. If you are considering starting one, here is a great resource guide put together by Blue Cross Blue Shield:
- Participate in our “Plant It Forward” campaign.
In addition to a Giving Garden, your workplace can join our Plant It Forward program where employees bring produce from their own gardens in to work on a specified day and Neighbors will come and pick it up. CHS has a successful Plant it Forward program at their headquarter office in Inver Grove Heights.
CHS Plant It Forward_Materials 1
- Visit a Farmer’s Market.
Did you know that if you can’t use all of the produce you purchase at a Farmer’s Market, you can donate it? Buy a dozen tomatoes but only need ten for your recipe? Look for our donation barrels at the South St. Paul, West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights Farmer’s Markets to share the extras instead of throwing them. Not only are you shopping locally, but you can also support the Food Shelf at Neighbors, Inc. Find a Farmer’s Market location here: http://www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com/locations
