I have a suggestion for all you green-thumbed gardeners out there: plant with the intention of giving back to your community.

Imagine if a percentage of your garden harvest went directly to those in need at a food pantry. What a difference that could make!

Healthy food is scarce for a lot of your neighbors, particularly those who are limited to fixed incomes. Decisions that restrict the ability to purchase nutritious foods are made at the grocery store when money is tight.

Although it is much more desirable to purchase produce and fresh items to balance out menu planning, those items are more expensive and don’t stretch as far. Junk food is much cheaper to fill a plate and can serve to satisfy an empty stomach in the short run.

Fresh produce, vegetables and fruit are often in short supply at the food pantry. We all know there is nothing quite like the taste and jam packed nutrition of just-picked produce. Who has not made the discovery that a homegrown tomato tastes so much better than a store-bought one?

If you share some of your garden’s bounty, you will be providing not only nourishment but also a little bit of joy to those who use the food pantry. Your donation of fresh, delicious produce can make a big difference in someone’s day. So, let’s all get out there and grow some goodness!

Sharing some of your garden’s harvest is a great way to bring fresh, healthy, organic food to households in need.

Not only will your donation of fresh produce make a difference in someone’s life, but gardening has benefits for you too. Spending time outdoors in the garden can be therapeutic and calming. It’s also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it can reduce stress.

While working on your own health and diet, you can treat others with positive healthy impact as well. And, of course, there’s the satisfaction of growing your own food and sharing it with others.

So, how can you get started with planting for the pantry? First, decide on a percentage of your garden that you’re willing to dedicate to donation. Even a small percentage can make a big impact. Gardening can be accomplished on nearly every scale.

You can plant in planters, raised beds, or in a sunny spot in the lawn after loosening up the soil. You can grow one tomato plant or 20 tomato plants. Build your project in whatever way that works for you.

Here are some suggestions for easy-to grow summer vegetable crops that you could try out: 1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are one of the most popular summer vegetables and are relatively easy to grow. They thrive in warm weather and need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

2. Cucumbers: Cucumbers are another easy to grow summer vegetable that can be grown in a variety of settings, including in the ground or in containers. They require plenty of sunlight and a consistent water source.

3. Zucchini: Zucchini is a type of summer squash that is fast growing and easy to care for. They produce an abundant harvest and can be used in a variety of recipes, from grilled dishes to baked goods.

4. Peppers: Bell peppers, chili peppers, and other varieties of peppers are heat loving plants that are easy to grow in the summer. They require full sun and regular watering to thrive.

5. Beans: Beans are a great choice for beginners as they are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They can be grown in containers or in the ground and produce an abundant harvest.

6. Herb it up. Mint, rosemary and basil taste great and can deter garden bugs and pests.

With just a little bit of planning and effort, you can make a big difference in your community by sharing your garden bounty.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 Let’s all be generous through our gardening this season and help provide fresh, healthy food for those who need it most;lk.

Janet Mills is the director of Cassville Pantry, located at 800 W. 10th St. in Cassville. She may be reached at cassvillepantry@gmail.com or 417 846-7871.