- Bring your produce directly to a pantry or meal site in your community
- Visit www.orcca.us/food for a list of pantries organized by area. Call before you show up to make sure they’re open.
- Make sure your donation gets recorded. Just ask the volunteers at the pantry or meal site where to report how many pounds you are donating.
- Bring your produce to the South Coast Food Share warehouse, located on the SOCC campus in Coos Bay. Open M-F 8am-6pm.
- Call South Coast Food Share for more information: 541-888-7024
Do you need to know what I’m growing in advance?No. Pantries and meal sites would likely welcome a heads-up about what you are planning to donate, but it is not necessary. All donations are welcome, and will be distributed to hungry families.
I have a small garden and can’t grow much. Is there a minimum amount to donate?
Not at all! Anything you’d like to give will be gratefully accepted. If you want to make a larger contribution, consider partnering with neighbors or friends and donating your produce together.
What condition should the produce be in?
- No spoiled produce or any items close to spoiling.
- Produce can be washed or straight from the ground.
- Some produce will last longer if you harvest it before it is completely ripe. For example, tomatoes that are slightly green or white will ripen off the vine in a few days. Tomatoes in this condition are perfect to donate as they are less likely to spoil before a hungry family can use them.
All food that is donated to the warehouse goes out to pantries and meal sites in Coos and Curry Counties. Food comes from a variety of sources, including the Oregon Food Bank, local grocery stores, and community food drives. Fresh produce can be hard to come by from these sources, which is why your produce will make a big difference.
Where can I get more information?
- For information on where to donate, and general information about your Regional Food Bank, South Coast Food Share: (541) 888-7024 and www.orcca.us/food
- For information about the national “Plant a Row for the Hungry” campaign, please visit: http://www.gardenwriters.org
