Saturday was the kickoff for the Philabundance Share the Harvest program.
"Every zucchini, every little bit helps," says Marlo Delsordo.
And it is with that spirit that Philabundance kicked off the 18th Annual Share the Harvest program.
The region's largest hunger relief organization set up shop at Springdale Farms in Cherry Hill and ten other locations across the Delaware Valley, urging gardeners to donate their produce to help neighbors in need.
"The price of fruits and vegetables has gone up because of the bad growing seasons in South America, and its' the first thing people cut from the grocery list when money's tight," said Marlo Delsordo.
Throughout the summer, folks are encouraged to drop by any extra fruits or vegetables. They will be distributed to local food pantries and shelters.
Last year, the initiative gathered 7,600 pounds of produce. This year's goal is 10,000 pounds.
The Shinkle family didn't grow the potatoes they donated, but thought it was important to contribute.
"We definitely like to lead by example as parents," said Janine Shinkle. "I think it's important if you have extra produce in your garden to donate it."
Cash donations also rolled in along with the veggies.
Springdale Farms has served as a drop-off site for the last three years.
"There are a lot of people in this area that really benefit from this. We've gotten calls from people who want to participate as far as a client goes. People asking, 'How do we get in touch with Philabundance? How do we participate?'," explained John Ebert of Springdale Farms.
Produce is being accepted through September 24th from 10:00am to 12:00pm every Saturday.
There are 11 locations across the area:Philadelphia County: Laurel Hill Gardens, 8125 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia
Bucks County: Carousel Gardens, 591 Durham Rd., Newtown
Seasons Garden Center, 1069 River Rd., PO Box 20 Washington Crossing
Chester County: Gardner's Landscape Nursery, 535 W. Uwchlan Ave., Chester Springs
Delaware County: Rose Tree Park, 1971 N. Providence Rd., Media
Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media
Montgomery County: Albrecht's Garden Center Nursery, 650 Montgomery Ave., Narberth
St. Asaphs, 27 Conshohocken State Rd., Bala Cynwyd
Rhoads Garden, 570 DeKalb Pike, North Wales
Primex Garden Center, 435 West Glenside Ave., Glenside
Camden County: Springdale Farms, 1638 S. Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ
Link:
http://www.philabundance.org/