We regularly hear of lemon trees with too much fruit or runaway zucchini plants taking over a garden. We have received enthusiastic agreement to collaborate toward addressing food insecurity. At the same time, we hear of challenges with ‘how’ and ‘when’ to donate overflowing produce to food pantries and food banks. The GrowToDonate.org project mentors remotely and in-person on engaging with local food systems, regenerative agriculture growers, organic farmers, local gardeners, and even apartment dwellers growing tomatoes on their patios.

Growing produce connects people to past generation traditions, the planet, and future health.

Fresh produce will thrive in a pot on a balcony, a container in a backyard, or filling beds on a farm. This feeling of connection and the satisfaction of contribution fuels the Grow-to-Donate Community.

With the help of a few friends, Open Source Ag 501(c)(3) grew and donated 5,080# of produce in 2024. Building the Grow-to-Donate Community will offer in-person workshops and an online community of practice toward a community donation goal of 50,000 pounds.

2025:

Small farms and gardens all produce blemished veg and fruit that restaurants and markets reject. In Jun and Nov, we will glean produce 1x per week. Jul – Oct is 3x per week.
Jun, Nov = 8 deliveries to 3 locations = 24 sites
Jul – Oct = 16 deliveries to 4 locations = 64 sites
Total: 88 glean sites, averaging 75 pounds, =+- 6,600 pounds.

Would you like to learn how to grow produce and donate a portion? We will mentor your efforts.

Do you sell at a farmers’ market and want to donate end-of-day produce but need support? We will advise you or purchase it for donation when possible. Are you interested in selling produce that tastes great and needs to be more blemish-free for restaurant or market customers? We will organize gleaning and transportation. Think of the Grow-to-Donate Community as your ‘and’ game, not an ‘or’ decision. Keep selling, cooking, canning, and sharing. And commit to donating to your food adventure. Donation Opportunities:

• Recommend donation organizations in your community. We will reach out for details and share them on our website.
• Ask questions about growing; we’re here to offer ideas and encouragement.
• Talk with us about gleaning or purchasing great-tasting blemished produce.
• Talk with us about end-of-day farmer’s market produce options.
• Talk with us about your interest in collaborating for workshops, events, community gardens, and more.

GrowToDonate.org support will include Zoom meetings to mentor growers/gardeners and calls to support their growth and donate questions. We will offer a zip code index of food pantries, food banks, and others that we verify as nonprofit organizations in good standing. We will partner with food pantries and food banks to coordinate delivery preferences.