Kids are home for summer break, on vacation, but many are hungrier over the summer. That's because they don't get meals and snacks at school. Families with already tight budgets often come up short in the summer. And their kids go hungry.

We are fortunate when local gardeners share their backyard bounty. Most home gardeners and community gardens harvest more fresh produce than their families and neighbors can consume, and we welcome their abundance.

We strive to offer our patrons the most wholesome foods possible.

• Please only donate produce that you would enjoy eating yourself.
• Produce is fresh enough to remain in good condition for at least 3-5 days.
• Produce is free of insects, mold, or decay which can spread disease
• Produce has been grown using water obtained from a water source free from pathogens and other contaminants
• Produce has been handled only by people who follow proper handwashing procedures.

In accordance with food system best practices, we do not accept anonymous backyard produce. When you bring your produce, we'll ask for your name and contact information. By donating produce to the pantry, you are certifying that it is fresh and safe for consumption to the best of your knowledge.

We encourage backyard gardeners to report donations to the Maine Cooperative Extension's Harvest for Hunger program.

Some kids don't. We have cereal, and it would be great to have grocery gift cards so that families can buy milk, yogurt, and other perishables.

WHAT'S NEEDED

• Grocery gift cards and money.

Please contribute online today. Thank you!