Surplus produce donations help feed Delawareans

Have surplus produce? The Food Bank of Delaware can accept it!

With summer's crop of tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, sweet corn and more coming into full swing, the Food Bank of Delaware wants to remind the community that the hunger-relief organization and many of its network partners can accept fresh produce donations.

More than 114,000 Delawareans depend on the Food Bank of Delaware's network of hunger-relief partners for emergency food services each year. The need for fresh produce in the community is now more urgent than ever, especially as low-income Delawareans struggle with healthcare issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and more.

According to Feeding America's Hunger in America study, 66.5 percent of Delaware families in need of food assistance cope with food insecurity by purchasing food that is unhealthy because it is inexpensive. Produce donations are critical in ensuring that low-income adults and children receive proper nutrition.

Food-insecure adults are at a 50 percent greater risk for developing diabetes and a 20 percent greater risk of developing hypertension than food-secure adults.

Regardless of amount, all donations help alleviate hunger.

"Ensuring that food-insecure Delawareans have access to fresh, nutritious produce is a priority at the Food Bank of Delaware," said FBD President and CEO Patricia Beebe. "Research shows that clients want healthier foods from food pantries. We are doing all that we can to help get healthier foods into the hands of those who need it most."

Last year, the Food Bank of Delaware received more than 2.2 million pounds of produce from wholesalers, the Port of Wilmington, farmers and backyard gardeners. This year the Food Bank hopes to exceed that amount.

Produce may be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, at the FBD warehouse at 1040 Mattlind Way in Milford. For a list of other hunger-relief partners, go to www.fbd.org/produce. For more information about donating fresh produce to the Food Bank, contact Sarah Woods, produce access coordinator, at swoods@fbd.org or 302-424-3301, Ext 114.