2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Despite having a large and vibrant agricultural economy, ten percent of North Dakotans rely upon food pantries to alleviate hunger. Food pantries normally receive generous donations of canned and boxed goods. Donations of quality fresh fruits and vegetables are rare and especially prized. In 2016, North Dakota State University Extension Master Gardeners initiated a pilot project called Veggies for the Pantry to fight food waste and to increase access to fresh produce in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The purpose of this project was to collect surplus fruits and vegetables from home gardeners and from community gardens for delivery to local food pantries. Extension Master Gardeners staffed strategically located collection points across the metropolitan area on Monday evenings and then delivered the produce to local food pantries the following day. Produce collection points were advertised through traditional news media, social media, and by word of mouth. In 2017, the project expanded to other counties. In total, Extension Master Gardeners collected and delivered over 8,900 lbs. of produce to local food pantries.