SHARE THE HARVEST 2011

Philadelphia, Pa. -- March 10, 2011 – Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, is gearing up for the annual Share the Harvest program. As planting season approaches, Philabundance is asking gardeners to sow an extra row dedicated to donating to help their neighbors in need.

Share the Harvest 2011 is a program that encourages home gardeners to grow extra vegetables or collect
any surplus vegetables from their harvest and donate to Philabundance to fight hunger in the Delaware Valley. From July 9th through Sept. 24th, 2011, Philabundance will accept produce donations on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 11 locations throughout the Delaware Valley (see list of drop-off sites below).

92.5 XTU, Philadelphia’s country music station, is partnering with Philabundance for the 5th year in a row and has committed to a summer-long effort to encourage people to share their garden with their neighbors in need.
Rising food and gas prices have compounded to drive up the cost of produce and decrease the amount donated to Philabundance by suppliers. Produce donations in 2010 were down by 7 percent compared to 2009 donations. As a result, Philabundance must substitute with more dry goods, of which donations are also down, adding to the challenge of meeting the increased demand for food aid in the region.
According to a report released in late 2010, by the USDA, the tough economy saw more than 50 million Americans struggle to get enough food to eat in 2009, while Garden Writers Association said there are 84 million gardening households in the U.S.
Philabundance hopes that the grow-your-own movement will inspire gardeners to help fight hunger and increase the access for those in need of fresh produce, as it is the first thing cut from the grocery list when money is tight. Last year, gardeners donated 7,600 pounds of produce through the Share the Harvest program.

Share the Harvest drop-off sites include the locations below, and more locations may be added. For more information, visit www.philabundance.org.


Delaware County Drop Off Locations: Rose Tree Park, 1971 N. Providence Rd., Media
                                                           Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media