Gardeners and farmers in Northumberland County are being urged to donate produce to local food programs.
With fresh, locally-grown food readily available now, and more to be harvested in coming weeks, local gardeners and farmers are being encouraged to donate part of their produce to food-support programs in the area.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is making the appeal, especially given the ongoing need for donations of fresh food to meet rising demand.
Spokesperson Patricia Stuckless says people can donate to their local food bank, or there is a second option.
For farmers, there is added incentive to donating their agricultural products to a local food program. Ontario’s Food Donation Tax Credit for Farmers provides a tax credit equal to 25% of the total value of the agricultural products that are donated.
Stuckless says, “It’s a win-win for everyone. Farmers win by getting a tax credit for any surplus food they donate and organizations like food banks also benefit by receiving fresh, local food to share.”