Produce for the People “venues” for 2009 March 8, 2009

Few people were on board for action last year for the produce revolution I had in mind so plans have changed a bit. But that’s okay. God is really the one in charge, ya know. I am excited to say that my church, Elkton Missionary Church and the Thumb Breadbasket food distribution are going to be two excellent venues for fresh produce for those in need  in the Huron County area.

 I attended a meeting on Tuesday of this past week for the Breadbasket and the members were extremely enthusiastic about planting, growing, and distributing fresh produce to people in need in our area. Ideas tossed around were:

• A community garden for people to come maintain for themselves
• Food preservation/storage class (canning, freezing,etc.)
• Helping people get their own backyard gardens started
• Container gardening for intimidated gardeners, seniors, or other people with limited space, time or ability

I think these were all great ideas and they will grow more based on the assumed interest of people in our community. For those that are interested in being a part of these kinds of activities there will be a sign up sheet at the next Breadbasket food distribution on Sat. March 21st at 8:30am to 10:30 am at Laker High School in Pigeon. Upcoming distribution dates are: May 16th, July 18th, Sept. 19th, Nov. 21st at Laker Elementary School. If you are interested in setting up, be there at 7am and clean up is immediately following the distribution. Other ways you can help or to donate items or money.

Over 7,000 lbs. of food are distributed at each event to over 200 families/700 people. Financial support of $15 will help one family with 30 needed food staples. Please spread the word and help if you feel led. You can contact Gary Wiley @ 856-7652 or Marek Witczak @ 856-3455.

Secondly, Elkton Missionary church tentatively has a large garen planned for the 2009 planting season. Even larger than last year. I spoke with Sue C. and she said that they are looking forward to serving he community for its second year with fresh produce and have some a local group of FFA kids helping this year too. It sounds like there will be plenty of produce to go around and there will definitely be a need for extra help as well. I will keep you posted as more details are arranged. Feel free to contact me in the meantime or feel free to come visit. Servies are at 10:45 am on Sundays.  There is a nursery for little ones and junior church for small children.

And don’t forget…if you have room to plant extra in your garden this year, there is someone out there who will take it. You’d be surprised how a few tomotoes or peppers can make a huge difference in somebody’s life.

 

May God bless you with an abundant harvest this year!

 

 

Shar

Places Accepting Produce Donations for 2008 May 16, 2008

Here again, is the list of the participating drop-off places for your fresh produce donations for the first ever Huron County Produce for the People Campaign:

Department of Health & Human Services, Huron County

Contact Person: Mike Sutherland, Volunteer Coordinator 989-269-9201

Address: 1911 Sand Beach Rd., Bad Axe

· The DHS has a large number of families and seniors in need that would greatly benefit from your fresh produce donations. When you call Mike, he can let you know where to bring your produce.  He may even have volunteers available to come and pick up produce if needed.

Huron County SafePlace, Bad Axe

Contact: 989-269-5300 and ask for donation preference deatils

· Will accept fresh produce depending on need for the facility at the time of donation. Please call before donating fresh produce to find out need and acceptable drop off procedures.  Donations will most likely only be accepted during normal operating hours.

Oakwood Senior Citizen Housing, Caseville

Contact:  989-856-3323

· Last time I checked the housing complex had about 47 senior residents . Please call before donation to make sure staff is available to unlock activity building, where seniors can come and pick from the items available.

Pigeon Bread Basket Food Pantry, Pigeon (the old elementary school gym, but location may be changing)

Contact: Rhonda Buehler, Marek Witczak, or Gary Wiley @ Pigeon River Mennonite Church, 989-453-2596, 989-856-3455 (Marek), 989-856-7652 (Gary)

· Dates for 2008: March 15^th, May17th, July 12^th, Sept. 20^th, and Nov. 15^th Donations for fresh produce will most likely be accepted the day before the event and the morning of the event, but please call before donating produce.

I also want to encourage people looking to donate to don’t just limit yourself to these places or organizations.  If you know anyone else willing to accept a fresh produce donation that is in need; maybe your church group, a day care center, shut-ins or even a neighbor.  This is all about giving and taking care of our community.  Every little bit can make a difference in someone’s life, especially with the current state of the economy.

Kick-Off to the First Annual Produce for the People Campaign May 16, 2008

It’s planting time!!!  I planted my garden yesterday and I’ve seen people at the greenhouses buying their plants and seeds and getting ready to go too.  I’m more excited than ever about planting and growing produce because of the kick-off to the first annual Huron County Produce for the People Campaign.

I’ve posted a few fliers around the county with the information of which places are accepting the fresh produce donations for this first season.  I’m so appreciate of these participants cooperation and willingness to be a part of this program.  I can’t wait to see our community come together and be gracious and generous to one another and really experience what being a part of a small community is all about.

Just a few reminders to anyone wanting to donate produce:

• Please call the participating drop-off place before donating your produce and let them know what you would like to donate and how much you would like to bring.
• Don’t wash the produce with water, but clean as thoroughly as possibly without before donating.
• Try to get produce to your chosen drop-off as quickly after harvesting as possible.

ALSO……….

If you need help delivering donated produce to a donation location please contact Shar at 989-856-8190.  If I am not available, please leave a message and I will try to get someone out to help you as quickly as possible.

Spring Into Gardening with the Master Gardeners! February 12, 2008

 SPRING INTO GARDENING!

Saturday, March 29, 2008 • 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ubly Heights Country Club • 2409 E. Atwater Rd., Ubly
Advance Sales (by March 7) $35/Person
($45/Person after March 7)

Website: www.msue.msu.edu/Huron       E-mail: msue32@msu.edu

 

Registration Includes:
4 Classes ~ Yard & Garden Expo ~ Goodie Bag ~ Lunch
Keynote Speaker and Door Prizes!

Some of the classes that will be available:

•  EDIBLE FLOWERS
• WEED I.D. AND TREATMENT TARGETS IN LANDSCAPE TURF
• SOAPMAKING WITH HERBS
• ….AND MORE!

Master Gardener Meeting February 10, 2008

Last Tuesday I had the privilege of attending the February Master Gardener meeting to briefly discuss my ideas and progress for the Produce for the People Project. Let me tell you that this group of people has a true passion for the community and are a lot of fun to be around. There was a great deal of enthusiasm for the project and even some helpful ideas to consider.

One of the issues that was brought up was how will this whole thing be organized and coordinated. Great question! The mission of this project is simply giving to those in need. There are a few organizations that have “formally” accepted fresh produce donations, but the idea is to find a need and fill it. I’ll list the organizations that have already said that they would be willing to participate below.

Department of Health & Human Services, Huron County

Contact Person: Mike Sutherland, Volunteer Coordinator 989-269-9201

· The DHS and Mike will be the “central” donation location for donated produce. Mike and his volunteers should able to help in just about any way needed to ensure produce is picked up and/or delivered to families in need. I am hoping to meet with him soon to work out further details for how to donate fresh produce with the DHS.

Huron County SafePlace, Bad Axe

Contact: 989-269-5300

 

 

· Will accept fresh produce depending on need for the facility at the time of donation. Please call before donating fresh produce to find out need and acceptable drop off procedures.

Oakwood Senior Citizen Housing, Caseville

Contact: Deanne, 989-856-3323

· Currently has about 47 senior residents and would only need a smaller donation of fresh produce. Please call before donation to make sure staff is available to unlock activity building, where seniors can come and pick from the items available.

Pigeon Bread Basket Food Pantry, Pigeon (the old elementary school gym)

Contact: Rhonda Buehler, Marek Witczak, or Gary Wiley @ Pigeon River Mennonite Church, 989-453-2596, 989-856-3455 (Marek), 989-856-7652 (Gary)

 

· Dates for 2008: March 15^th, May17th, July 12^th, Sept. 20^th, and Nov. 15^th (10am to 1pm) Donations for fresh produce will most likely be accepted the day before the event and the morning of the event, but please call before donating produce.

You don’t have to limit yourself to just these organizations for donating your produce. You could contact any organization in your town or senior housing facility or any other group or cause you feel is in need.

Thanks again to the Huron County Master Gardener group for allowing me to attend to the meeting.

Community Garden in Bad Axe Area January 26, 2008

A woman from Bad Axe (keeping her anonymous for now for privacy reasons) called me before Christmas to share with me her idea for a dream gardening project. She and her mother possess a very large amount of mostly vacant acreage West of Bad Axe in a high-traffic location. She said that her and her mother would make this land available for use for people that wanted gardening space but maybe didn’t have it at home. This space would be a wonderful space for a community garden.

So far, here are some of the things we’ve got in mind for the garden:

• Growing a wide assortgment of vegetables and possibly herbs and flowers.
• Keeping the garden as organic as possible; no pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, etc.
• Using a rainwater collection system to supplement with watering to conserve water
• Participating with the local ProjectFRESH proram to serve as an outlet for fresh produce
• To donate the fresh produce to needy families and/or those that will come help with the garden
• Setting up a produce stand to sell some of the produce roadside or possibly at the farmers market.

What is Huron County Produce for the People? January 24, 2008

The Huron County Produce for the People Program is an initiative to encourage local gardeners to donate their excess produce and/or plant an extra row of produce to people in need in Huron County, Michigan.

This summer will be the first planting season for the program and will also probably be the most difficult. This is where all the mistakes and mishaps will most likely happen. But that’s okay! It will make for even better seasons in the future.

What we need?

• GARDENERS willing to grow and donate produce

• VOLUNTEERS willing to pick-up produce, deliver produce, help gain media coverage, publicity, get donations of seeds for gardeners and help in any other way you feel moved

• ORGANIZATIONS in need of fresh produce and will network with the program to help meet their needs

If you feel like you’d like to be a part in any way, please call 989-856-8190 or e-mail revolutionarygirl1@yahoo.com.