I read a great article in this week's The Star Ledger about a West Milford resident, Gary Oppenheimer. I am sure many of you also saw the same article but I felt it is such a worth while cause I did some research about Mr. Oppenheimer and AmpleHarvest.org.
Gary Oppenheimer is a Master Gardener and a Rutgers Environmental Steward. Both are major accomplishments that require study, time and dedication. Mr. Oppenheimers greatest achievement is founding AmpleHarvest.org. As director of Sustainable West Milford Community Garden, he realized that there was a large amount of the harvest that could not be eaten in time. He suggested extra harvest be distributed to local food banks. A committee was formed and named AmpleHarvest.org.
According to his website www.AmpleHarvest.org, Oppenheimer realized that the overabundance of produce was not only unique to their community garden but gardens everywhere. AmpleHarvest.org became a nationwide campaign and has partnered with the National Garden Association. There are 2,400 food pantries registered with AmpleHarvest.org Campaign, serving all 50 states.
This is a wonderful idea and use of local food to help hungry local neighbors. I would like to give Gary Oppenheimer a Macaroni Kid Standing Ovation and to thank him for his commitment to others.
If your family is having trouble eating everything you harvest from your backyard or community garden, please visit http://www.ampleharvest.org/find-pantry.php to find a local food pantry where you can share some of your produce.
