Greensboro, NC - One out of every four children in Guilford County doesn't know where his or her next meal will come from.
However, there is plenty of food available. There are more than twenty-two community gardens in Guilford County alone.
Now, there's a group of people working to get those fresh fruits and vegetables to those who need them.
It's called Share the Harvest.
Here's how it will work:
* Start with a garden in your backyard or at a community park.
* Take your extra tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. to a drop-off point.
* Share the Harvest volunteers sort it.
* Volunteers pass along the food to people and organizations that need it.
Agricultural Extension Agent Karen Neill said, "We need to make sure we know where we have this fresh produce so it doesn't go to waste and so we can share it with those who truly need it. Fresh produce tastes better. It's more nutritious for you. It's something we feel very strongly about."
The goal is to not only take advantage of existing gardens with an abundance of food, but also convince other community members and groups to start their own garden.
Members of Greensboro's First Lutheran Church started a garden a few years ago. They've found it brings members closer together and community members appreciate the effort.
"There is nothing like when you have a box of collards or beets or any kind of produce and you go knocking on one of the doors of one of the many shelters and they see you with the food," First Lutheran Church member Jim King said.
The idea of "Sharing the Harvest" doesn't end there. The group also wants to create a "mobile food truck" that would drive fresh fruits and vegetables into neighborhoods.
The program launches in the spring, but if you want to start planning what you're going to plant, here are a few suggestions:
Lettuce
Cabbage
Kale/Collards
Spinach
Onions
Sweet Potatoes / Irish Potatoes
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Okra
Beans
Summer and Winter Squash
Green Pepper
Carrots
Beets
Turnip and Turnip Greens
Herbs (Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Oregano)
Share the Harvest has also launched a new Facebook page. You can find it here.
WFMY News 2