This year, the Montgomery Farmers’ Market and the Society of St. Andrew have combated food waste while helping NEEDS to provide healthy produce for our clients. Pantry coordinator Maureen shared this story:

“The 2023 season at the Montgomery Farmers’ Market was an especially fruitful one for the NEEDS pantry. Vendors donated 5,343 pounds of fresh produce, bakery and prepared food — providing almost twice as much food for our needy neighbors as in 2022.  On top of that, market customers were able to pick up NEEDS brochures and make cash donations.

The Society of St. Andrew, a national gleaning organization, made this all possible for NEEDS. Society members collect farmers’ market donations across the country, and even go into the field to help farmers harvest — all in an effort to end food waste. Locally, Sue Plummer is Ohio’s Program Coordinator. This is the second year NEEDS has been the beneficiary of her team’s work. During the first season, NEDEDS volunteers picked up at the market each week. But this year, the society partnered with Last Mile Food Rescue to transport the food to NEEDS.

A warm thank you to Sue and her team of gleaners. And here’s to another fulfilling year of partnership ahead!”