Neighborhood produce stand builds a sense of community

From our supporter, Karl Gross:

“We live in a wonderful and blessed neighborhood. Many of our neighbors, like us have vegetable gardens that provide us with good food, physical work, and much joy. My neighbor mentioned to me that they bring their excess fruits and veggies to the Food Bank. I really liked that idea, but was challenged by the time to do this and whether what we brought would be enough to be helpful. Then an idea….. Together with my son Daniel, we built a Fruit and Veggie Stand that is in front of our house. 

It is for everyone in the neighborhood to not only take but also to give their own extra fruits and veggies. We all benefit.  What is put in the stand is free for all. However, there is a donation box in the stand for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. A note explains where the donations go, or how to donate online. My personal commitment has been to match whatever is put in the donation box when we pass the donations on to you.

It has been a wonderful experience, bringing our neighborhood together, preventing any waste from our gardens, providing for others…. I am always amazed by what neighbors bring to the stand and how it is always gone by the next day.

I believe this has been a very beneficial effort and would like to find ways to encourage other neighborhoods and communities to do similar activities.”