Food Bank of Delaware and partner pantries accept fresh produce donations

The Food Bank of Delaware and its partner food pantries across the state are accepting fresh produce donations from both backyard gardeners and local farmers.

“Our neighbors love getting fresh produce when they visit the Food Bank or one of our agency partners,” said Cathy Kanefsky, FBD president and CEO. “So many people who we serve have diet-related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, so getting them fresh, nutritious foods is so important to us, and there is nothing better than a backyard summer tomato.”

Last year, the nonprofit distributed 2.5 million pounds of fresh produce to Delawareans in need. Produce comes from a variety of sources including farmers, backyard gardeners, local retailers, and the Food Bank’s own 5-acre farm in Newark and 3.5-acre garden in Milford.

To ensure food safety, produce donors should follow these guidelines: Donate only good-quality, fresh produce. Do not place fresh produce in trash bags when donating, since they are not graded for food storage and cause chemicals to leach into the food. Brush off as much mud and soil as possible from the produce before delivering it.

Donated produce can be dropped off at the Food Bank of Delaware facilities in Milford or Newark and at partner food pantries throughout the state.

For a complete list of drop-off locations, go to fbd.org/plant-a-row.