With grocery prices rising and many people starting their own gardens this year, I'm wondering if food pantries are open to receiving donations of surplus vegetable or herb plants. I know folks can purchase seeds and live plants using food stamps, and many pantries sometimes accept extra vegetables from home gardeners. Some community members have said they've ended up with more seedlings than expected and are curious if these starter plants could be beneficial for people who want to grow their own food but didn't start seeds early enough. If my plants are still thriving in a month and I have some extra, I'd like to know if it's worth reaching out to local pantries or if there are better options, like using Facebook Marketplace, though past experiences have shown that can get complicated! Just want to ensure my efforts aren't wasted!
3 Answers
I've had success donating my extra seedlings to my local 'Buy Nothing' group, which connects neighbors to share goods without cost. My local food pantry does accept extra veggies, but I prefer to give mine directly to families in need first. They appreciate getting fresh produce!
Honestly, it’s best to reach out directly to food pantries in your area, as their policies can differ significantly. They’ll give you the most accurate info on what they can accept. Just keep in mind that some might restrict donations based on local regulations.
Check out community gardens in your area! They often have sections dedicated to growing produce for food pantries and welcome donations from local gardeners. They might even accept your seedlings or know someone who would.
I did mention my location in my flair, but thought it might help to ask here too, just to hear others' experiences.