Thanks to the thoughtful and generous participation of the West Milford Community gardeners, we have tallied 265 pounds of donated produce this season. It was all freshly harvested and delivered to our customers at Holy Faith Luthern, Queen of Peace, St. Joseph’s, SOS, West Milford Presbyterian.
Our spotlight so far has been an abundance of zucchini, cucumber and green beans. These veggies go a long way in feeding a family. They are all vegetables that offer a lot of substance and nutrients. We are excited to welcome an onslaught of tomatoes over the next month.
We encourage all backyard gardeners to consider sharing your bounties with those in need. For the remainder of the West Milford Farmers Market season, you can drop off your donation on Wednesday’s between 4 and 6 p.m. Your local food pantries will benefit greatly in serving their clients with fresh, nutritious produce.
More on the West Milford Ample Harvest program
The basis of Ample Harvest is to rescue produce for gardeners that grow too much—don’t let it go to waste in the garden! Instead, collect it and donate it to the local food pantry. Pantry clients benefit from nutritious food, which is traditionally more expensive in grocery stores, but often goes to waste in our gardens!
We have operations at both Apple Acres and Wallisch Homestead to help rescue produce before it goes to waste. We supplement this with a dedicated plot at each garden where 100% of the produce goes to our pantry partners.
Community gardeners are encouraged to share their bounty as the garden starts to produce through the Ample Harvest Flag System. Flags and instructions are posted near the gate in both gardens.
We have two (2) Ample Harvest schedules to ensure fresh delivery:
At Apple Acres on Saturdays, 8:30 AM, serving the pantries open on Saturday
At Wallisch on Thursdays, 10AM, serving the pantries open during the week
We also take food donations at the West Milford Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 3-7pm.
Upcoming Ample Harvest events
Weed and water (ongoing)
Harvest (weekly at each garden)
Replant for 2nd crops
Suggestions for improving our operation are always welcome and we are seeking volunteers to come help plant, tend, harvest and deliver.
For any topics related to the above or the West Milford Ample Harvest program at our community gardens, please reach out to Cathy Bruce at cgb2673@optonline.net or 201-264-3528
