By Martha Lueders
Murphy News Service
This spring the City of Minneapolis again is struggling to get its Plant an Extra Row campaign started for its second year.
The campaign was implemented last year when the Minneapolis Health Department’s Healthy Food Shelf Network had a meeting about what was lacking for its clients. It quickly became apparent that there was a lack of fresh produce.
“Residents have the perspective that they should give non-perishable items,” Health Specialist at Minneapolis Health Department Nora Hoeft said. As a result, there was no fresh produce being donated. Fresh produce is often expensive for food shelves to buy and won’t stay fresh for long, Hoeft explained.
“Our clients want [fresh produce] and they deserve it,” Hoeft said.
The Healthy Food Shelf Network launched the campaign and asked local gardeners to donate produce to begin offering fresh produce to its clients. Nearly 115 gardeners participated in campaign last year, Hoeft said.
More than 700 pounds of produce was donated to 17 food shelves in the Twin Cities, Hoeft added.
“It’s always a struggle because of the increasing demands,” Hoeft said.
Difficult winter and early spring weather has made the effort even more challenging this year. The program will run as long as this year’s growing season lasts, Hoeft said.
Pastor Daniel McKizzie at New Creation Baptist Church was contacted by the Healthy Food Shelf Network to be part of the campaign. He saw first-hand how the project affected members in the community.
“Folks preferred the donated vegetables over grocery store bought ones,” McKizzie said.
McKizzie estimated fresh produce that was offered at the church’s food shelf served about 40 to 50 people.
“People are still asking about the fresh produce,” McKizzie said.
The campaign has also impacted those involved, McKizzie said. He explained that he had health issues and his doctor suggested that he add more fruits and vegetables in his diet.
Pastor McKizzie’s congregation has also taken steps toward healthier lifestyles because of the campaign, he said.
The elementary school that his children attend is also starting a community garden, McKizzie said.
“I’ve been preaching to the choir,” McKizzie said with a laugh.
Martha Lueders is studying journalism at the University of Minnesota.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Gardeners can sign up online at www.healthyfoodshelves.org. The website will connect you will a local food shelf where you can drop off produce. Preferred donations are hardy vegetables, which includes cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, kale and peppers.