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NC farms donate extra produce to those in need

This time of year, farmer's markets are full of fresh, local produce. But for everything that makes it to market, a lot goes to waste.

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BURLINGTON, N.C. — This time of year, farmer’s markets are full of fresh, local produce. But for everything that makes it to market, a lot goes to waste.

That’s why some farms invite volunteers to come and pick the extra produce for distribution to those in need.

Iseley Farms in Burlington is a haven for all kinds of agencies that glean farmers’ fields of produce they can’t sell.

Rebecca Page, a member of the Society of St. Andrew, says her group donates all the produce it collects to agencies that help people in need.

“You find some good stuff,” volunteer Tim Bowman said. “I can’t believe people leave this stuff behind.”

The strawberries came in early this season at Iseley. The you-pick-it farm is busy on the weekends, so a lot of the berries rot in the field during the week.

“Not only is fresh food supposedly more nutritious, but it’s a treat,” Page said. “It’s delicious.”

Workers from Raleigh’s Charles River Labs are volunteering their time to pick the leftover fruit.

“It makes you feel good,” Bowman said. “Makes you want to do it again.”

In one day, volunteers saved 390 pounds of strawberries. Most of the fruit went to the Interfaith Food Shuttle and Urban Ministries in Durham. Other church groups distributed the rest.

“It has to be making an impact,” Page said. “It’s a lot of food that people are able to eat that they otherwise would not be able to eat.”

To join the effort, visit Society of St. Andrew’s website.

 

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