Help us feed the community

If you have a garden, you can help.
The Helping Hand Food Bank and the Mission Committee at First Presbyterian Church in Portland are teaming up to launch Project Produce.
And every area gardener has a chance to participate, regardless of his or her church affiliation or lack thereof.
The goal is to help meet the increasing demand for food by those served by the food bank by sharing this summer’s fresh produce.
Some local gardeners have done this for years with no fanfare or promotion.
But in tough times, the pressure on the food bank continues to be challenging.
Sure, there’s help from Second Harvest Food Bank, United Way, and Community and Family Services. And canned food drives by groups at Jay County High School and organizations like the Jay County Historical Society make a real difference when it comes to keeping the shelves stocked.
But fresh produce is a rarity at the local food bank, and it’s some of the most nutritious food available.
Project Produce is an effort to inform gardeners through their churches and church bulletins that any surplus from the harvest can be shared in a meaningful way with our neighbors in need.
Church groups and individual gardeners are urged to drop off fresh produce at the food bank at 521 S. Wayne St. in Portland on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
Your own harvest will taste better than ever if you share it with others. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]