Grow and Give 2025, Gardeners Invited to Donate Fresh Produce to Help Local Families

(KNSI) – Local gardeners with extra fruits and vegetables can put their green thumb to good use by making a meaningful difference, donating their goods to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud’s ongoing produce donation campaign.

The Grow and Give 2025 initiative, which runs through October, encourages residents to donate fresh garden produce to help stock the Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf. The program aims to provide nutritious, locally-grown food to families facing food insecurity in the St. Cloud area.

The campaign takes advantage of the peak growing season in central Minnesota, when many home gardeners find themselves with abundant harvests.

Gardeners can drop off their fresh produce at the Catholic Charities Food Shelf, located at 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, in St. Cloud. Donors should ring the buzzer at door D. The food shelf accepts donations Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. For food safety reasons, all produce must be handed directly to staff members or volunteers. Items cannot be left unattended or dropped off outside of posted hours.

Those interested in participating or who need more information can contact Catholic Charities Emergency Services at (320) 229-4560 or click here.

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