As we are all well aware of, our area has been facing and will continue to face difficult times. The amount of layoffs and closings has affected almost everyone in some way or another.
President Obama said in his address to Elkhart that we are people who will lend a helping hand to our neighbor. Harvest with a Heart is a charity garden market located in Milford. We accept donations of excess produce from gardeners and resell it for $0.25, and the purchaser can choose which local charity their money goes to.
The ladies of Harvest with a Heart would like to challenge anyone and everyone to do something small but meaningful for their neighbors in need. If you are a gardener, till up just one extra row, or plant that extra zucchini that you may not need for yourself. If you have never gardened before, why not try now? All you need is some sun and water. How about green beans instead of annuals in your flower bed this year? If you live in an apartment, how about a potted tomato plant for your balcony? It is a cheap and easy way to make a difference in someone's life.
Whether you bring your produce to a place like ours, hand it directly to someone who needs it, or even set up a table on your front yard with a free sign, you might just make someone's day. Most food pantries unfortunately cannot take fresh produce, and therefore the families in need are not getting the fruits and vegetables that everyone should have, not to mention they are among the most expensive items in a grocery store.
If you don't know of anyone to give your produce to, there are several places that take donations of fresh produce. This includes the Family Christian Development Center in Nappanee, The Window in Goshen, Faith Mission in Elkhart, and Our Father's House in Warsaw to name a few.
We are fortunate enough to live in Northern Indiana, where just about anything will grow. And it is almost time for garden planning and seed buying. We hope that you will think of your neighbor in need as spring comes to warm our hearts.
