Plant an extra row for the needy, Poughkeepsie group suggests

http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2010/May/17/DC_FP_plant-17May10.html

Plant an extra row for the needy, Poughkeepsie group suggests

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County is asking local gardeners to consider planting an extra row of vegetables to provide fresh produce to needy families through the Beverly Clos Food Pantry in the Family Partnership Center in Poughkeepsie.

The Dutchess Outreach Food Pantry provides a variety of food items for the needy, but often finds it difficult to stock fresh produce.

“Though our clients would greatly appreciate the nutritional, tasty produce many of us take for granted, it’s often hard to have it available for them in the food pantry,” said Kathleen Murphy, assistant director of Dutchess Outreach and manager of the food pantry. “We rely on donations, and when we can purchase food to supplement donations, fresh produce is often not available to us at prices we can afford.”

Murphy said if gardeners through the area would consider donating some of their produce this season, families could benefit from the nutritional value of vegetables.

To make a donation, call 845-454-3792.