AP Photo/Wally Santana
Anyone looking for a way to donate extra garden produce or store bought items to a local food pantry can download the free iPhone app from AmpleHarvest.org.
The new app uses the iPhone's GPS system to display a Google map marking area registered food pantries. The user selects one of the pantries and the app displays detailed pantry data including contact information, items urgently needed, and times that donations are accepted.
Local food pantries found on AmpleHarvest.org include Carrollton Friendship House, North Texas Food Bank, and Catholic Charities of Dallas St. Elizabeth.
The app is available at the Apple iPhone App Store. The AmpleHarvest.org Campaign aims to prevent food waste and help put food on the tables of the 49 million Americans, who according to U.S. government statistics are food insecure.
There are also plenty of potential donators. There are 41 million Americans growing produce and herbs in their gardens. Since May 2009, more than 1,300 food pantries in the U.S. have registered AmpleHarvest.org.
The website's founder, Gary Oppenheimer said it has become clear that pantries see value in the site to connect them with local gardeners and the general community. "Food pantries appreciate all the community help they can get, whether it is a shopper reaching into their back pocket or a gardener reaching into their backyard," said Oppenheimer.
For more information on how to volunteer at the North Texas Food Bank, visit www.ntfb.org.
North Texas Food Bank
4500 S. Cockrell Hill Rd.
Dallas, TX 75236
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Comments
I'm downloading this app tonight! It's so important to help those, especially children, who are food insecure.
Please don't forget the Network of Community Ministries in Richardson! thenetwork.org
If you know of a food pantry in your community, encourage them to register on AmpleHarvest.org (its free!)..... and if you know any gardeners, encourage them to donate their excess garden bounty to a local food pantry.
Let your friends & family around the country know about it too.
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