Letter to the editor: Dear gardeners, could you spare some produce?

Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.

Attention Gardeners: As you diligently prepare to plant your vegetable crops, we encourage you to consider allocating an additional row for the purpose of donating produce to your local food pantry, hot meals program, or shelter. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

Your extra produce will provide fresh, nutritious food to families, seniors, and disadvantaged individuals in need. In 2024, our pantries supplied food to over 37,000 households, and our hot meal programs served 86,864 meals throughout the county.

Please share the bounty of your summer gardens with the Change Hunger member closest to you: Ravenna Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard, The Salvation Army in Windham, Crestwood 4Cs, Randolph-Suffield-Atwater Food Shelf, Streetsboro Community Pantry, Skeels-Matthews Community Center, Brimfield Community Cupboard, Kent Social Services/The Lord’s Pantry, Miller House and Safer Futures.

Thank you for your generosity. By working together and sharing our resources, we can change hunger in Portage County.

— Marquice Seward, President, Change Hunger Portage County