Gardners asked to donate fruits, veggies

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring is asking gardeners to donate at least a quarter of a million pounds of fruits and vegetables this year.

The Hunger Free ND Garden Project is now in its seventh year generating fresh produce for food pantries, shelters and charitable feeding groups.

Goehring says hunger is a problem even in a state that produces so much food. He says the Great Plains Food Bank served 11.2 million meals in 2015. He says about a third of those needing help are children.

Information about the Hunger Free ND Garden Project including drop-off points for produce can be found on the Agriculture Department website, at www.nd.gov/ndda .