[Subversive_plot]

As we get later in the year, I start thinking about what I will donate to the local food bank (usually just writing a check, my garden usually does not produce enough to share beyond family, friends and co-workers).

Assuming you also have food banks to help those in need, do your food banks welcome garden produce in good condition? I like the idea of having a large enough garden one day to regularly provide our food bank with fresh tomatoes (maybe when I retire). I'm just curious what other members experiences have been with fresh produce donations.

[Gardener and Rabbit]

Hi S_P,

Our foodbank only takes tins, packets and longlife UHT foods, it can't take fresh (or frozen). 

The easiest way for us to donate is to buy extra items whilst shopping, and leave them at the store's collection point. All our local supermarkets support them, and there's a list of the items that they currently need most, to guide us as to what would be most helpful.

Tinned tomatoes are on the list by the way, which is probably just as well because they'd still be waiting for ours to ripen here this year!

G&R

[AnneB]

As Growster says, food banks in the UK collect dried goods from consumers donated at supermarkets.
However supermarkets do donate fresh stuff to food banks, often via the Fareshare charity, supported by Marcus Rashford the Manchester United footballer and food poverty campaigner.
We have an organisation called Cafe West near us who support those in need.
The cooking apple tree on my plot produces a vast quantity of apples every year which I share with others on site.  One of the people on site always takes a supply to Cafe  West plus any gluts, usually runner beans (not this year) and courgettes.

[GraciesGran]

Our local foodbank is  happy to take excess fresh produce.  Delivered some French and runner beans the other day.

[maddave]

Our allotment partnered with our local food bank and every week distribute excess produce at the local church just up the road. It works well and means excess courgettes, beans, tomatoes etc. are given to those who need them.

[Subversive_plot]

Like food banks here, it sounds like food banks over here handle donations they accept and what they offer in different ways!

I think donating produce might be something I need to work out with the food bank in advance, perhaps after retirement.  For now I think I will continue to make monetary donations (they are always glad for that, it always helps when they have too much of some things and not enough of others). Donating dry/canned goods too!

[Growster...]

I'll be popping a few tins of dog food in our Tesco foodbank, as JRT hardly eats anything these days, and a whole tin goes 'off' pretty quickly!

The local Cottage Hospital runs a great shop here, and is always full of stuff like clothes, DVDs etc. Outside they have a sort of food bank and all the bread from the shops finishes up there too!

[Subversive_plot]

Regarding pets and food, our dog Murray (dachshund and (JRT ?) We think). Goes through various problems with food, right now he's off one type of kibble that may be causing digestive trouble.  It's high quality chow, the last bag will likely be donated (food bank or animal shelter).

[Growster...]

SubP - JRT = Jack Russell Terrier...

My family had a fabulous dachsund back in the fifties and sixties! He was just a perfect dog, always mucking about at something or other, burrowed under every cushion, bedding etc he could find (it's a common trait), and went to a good old age too!

He was supposed to be a small dog, but ended up a size between a standard and a miniature! His name was 'Toffee' for obvious reasons! We just loved him!

[Subversive_plot]

SubP - JRT = Jack Russell Terrier...

Yes . . .  I meant we know Murray is part dachshund, and (maybe?) Jack Russell terrier.  The JRT we aren't sure about, but he has that level of intelligence and activity.

[Growster...]

I would think that a cross between the two is just marvellous! Our JRT also subscribes to 'selective hearing', and that's a common trait with her sort...

[Goosegirl]

Our plum tree was pruned in spring, and despite having lots of blossom, we thought we'd only got one upright branch with small fruits on - wrong! There are loads, or were as we've picked some for us and some for our neighbours too.