TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank is accepting donations of surplus garden produce to supply fresh fruits and vegetables to local families.
Growers with extra harvest can donate rather than letting produce go to waste or giving it away aimlessly. The food bank asks that all donated items be clean and fit for human consumption. Donations are best brought in a box, though clean containers are also accepted.
Food donations of garden surplus or other items are accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 24 E. Woodruff Ave.
Need for nutritious items
Barbara Hofstetter, director of operations and human resources, said the organization focuses on the nutritional value of its offerings.
“We don’t want to make sure that we are just providing food items, but nutritional food items to make more healthy meals, which gives more energy to the body and mind,” Hofstetter said.
Because of limited refrigeration space, the food bank especially appreciates non-refrigerated produce, including onions, potatoes, squash, apples, and peppers.
Small donations welcome
Hofstetter emphasized that even minimal amounts, such as a handful of cherry tomatoes, are welcome.
“It is always worth it,” Hofstetter said. “Every donation no matter how big or how small. Imagine if everybody came in here with a small donation. We would have a lot of produce coming into our building.”
So far this year, the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank has distributed more than 650,000 pounds of fresh produce. With additional donations, officials aim to increase that total. The organization serves eight counties across Northwest Ohio and partners with 150 member agencies.
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