In the unkempt jungle that is now our backyard, we once again have produce to spare. In fact, we have more extras than ever this year.

I suspected this might be the case. Even with a little one on the way, I insisted on planting all 20 by 35 square feet of our garden. The process is too, exciting, too miraculous…. for myself as much as the kids. This spring, like always, we planted those multitudes of seeds with curious, science-inspired expectations: from a tiny seed, food will grow.

Just a couple of weeks later, the girls and I tromped around the garden paths in wonder. Once again, unlikely as it seems, those little seeds sprouted.

Now here we are, up to our elbows in summer squash and green beans, tomatoes, peppers, peas, carrots, herbs galore, and even eggplant. Unfortunately, there is only so much a person can do with a baby on her hip or (more commonly) in her lap. Last year, I preserved quite a bit for our little family, sharing a grocery bag full each week with People Serving People, who happily accepted them. This year, I’m lucky to get this evening’s meal completed, much less preparations for next winter.

Thankfully, we found a receiver a bit closer to home; the food shelf in our neighborhood welcomed the offer as did a nearby nursing home.

Between the two of them, the girls enjoy a quick, drive-by act of charity, I get the counters cleared of what lovely produce I am unable to cook with at the moment, and our entire community ends up a little more nourished.

If your are considering a similar donation, be sure to call first. Not all food shelves or nursing homes are equipped to accept home garden donations.

How do you share your garden bounty?

Tags: Charitable Giving, Free, Healing the Earth, Improving Lives

About Sarah

Sarah Aadland is striving to make family volunteering a meaningful habit for her family of five. Join the conversation as she ponders what they may (or may not have) learned and looks for helpful information about raising compassionate kids.Though she plans to one day put her Masters in Public Policy back to work for social justice, she sees family volunteering as a way to build a stronger community, a better world, and a more connected family. In addition to her children, Sarah tends a large garden, a small flock of chickens, and a habit of mindfulness amid the necessary rituals of parenting.

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