Hi friend Somewhere tonight, a pot of soup is simmering on a stove, made with vegetables that almost got thrown away. That’s what happens when garden surplus meets a food pantry. As sweater weather settles in, so does the season for giving what you’ve grown. [Find a pantry near you → AmpleHarvest.org/find-pantry] WHAT YOU CAN SHARE RIGHT NOW Pantries are often short on fresh, healthy produce, so more of your garden is welcome than you might think: - Tomatoes and peppers
- Winter squash and pumpkins (uncarved)
- Leafy greens like kale, chard, and collards
- Carrots, beets, and other root vegetables
- Apples and pears
- Fresh herbs
Even a small donation helps. A single bag of greens or a few squash can be the difference between a bare shelf and a fresh meal. YOUR ZONE, YOUR LAST HARVEST Where you live changes what’s still growing. Here’s a quick guide to what to look for in the weeks ahead: - Zones 3 to 5: Frost is here or close. Bring in hardy crops and storage vegetables now: winter squash, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and onions.
- Zones 6 to 7: You likely still have cool-season crops going. Kale, chard, and root vegetables are at their best, and apples are still in season.
- Zones 8 to 10: Your growing season isn’t over. Fall greens, broccoli, and root crops are coming on, and warm-zone gardeners may still have peppers and tomatoes. If you haven’t planted a fall row, there’s still time.
Not sure of your zone? Search by zip code at USDA. NOT SURE HOW IT WORKS? - Pick your produce. Fresh and whole is best.
- Find a pantry near you at AmpleHarvest.org.
- Check their hours, then drop it off.
That’s it. No paperwork, and no minimum. COMING NEXT MONTH: SKIP THE FLOWERS THIS THANKSGIVING Garden done for the year? You can still help. This November, we’re bringing back Centerpieces for Pantries, our holiday tradition that turns your Thanksgiving table into a pantry donation. Instead of cut flowers that will wilt in days, fill a basket or bowl with whole, uncut fruits and vegetables. Enjoy it at dinner, then donate it afterward. One table, two families fed. One quick note: pantries can only accept whole food, so please skip the carving and cutting. We’ll send the full how-to in early November. In the meantime, mark your calendar and start thinking about what you’d put in your own. A QUICK THANK YOU Every tomato, every squash, and every bag of greens you share makes a difference in your community. Thank you for everything you grow and share. Warmly,
The AmpleHarvest.org Team
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