Energy Update Summer 2018

AT A COMMUNITY FARM. The Plenty! Farm has over two acres of cultivated fields a high tunnel, and greenhouse to grow fresh produce for Plenty! food programs. The farm welcomes volunteers who wish to develop a better connection to the food we eat and to learn sustainable farming practices. (If your local community doesn’t have a community farm……why not start one!) WITH A LOCAL GLEANING GROUP. Gleaning groups help pick fruit and vegetable crops that would otherwise never be picked and go to waste. Volunteering with a gleaning group is a fun way to make an impact while being outside and learning about local agriculture! AT A FOOD BANK. Local food banks and pantries rely on volunteer labor to sort, bag/box, and distribute food. Feel free to contact one of the three featured organizations in your com- munity to help! REDUCE WASTE THROUGH RECOVERY AND DONA- TION. Having a catered party or event? Figure out ahead of time where you can donate the inevitable leftover food. Work FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER IN YOUR COMMUNITY! VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME.... HERE ARE WAYS THAT YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE

with your school or work cafeteria to make sure that unused food is donated to a food pantry. Many people don’t know this and as a result are hesitant to donate their extra food. HOST A FOOD DRIVE. Food pantries can always use food, toiletries, and necessities. Why not request a nonperishable food item in place of birthday gifts for your next celebration! DONATE MONEY, RATHER THAN FOOD. Food banks, food pantries, and other non-profit organizations that fight hunger depend on donations and grants! Because food banks purchase food in bulk and at discounted rates, a donation goes a long way in food! PROMOTE AWARENESS AMONG FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Share these suggestions with your friends and family. Instead of a regular dinner party, host a Hunger Banquet (google it) at your school or home! Have thoughtful discussions about solutions to poverty and hunger issues. Help bring the issue of food insecurity into the mainstream.