For Release: September 2, 1998

Contact*: Stephen M. Volpe 222-2781

PROVIDENCE - In an effort to provide more fresh fruits and vegetables to people in need in the area, the RI Community Food Bank and the Department of Environmental Management's Division of Agriculture and Resource Marketing are again collaborating in Community Harvest, a produce rescue and gleaning initiative.

Farmers who wish to donate excess or unmarketable produce, or offer a field for gleaning, are being asked by DEM to contact the RI Community Food Bank at 826-3073. Food Bank staff, joined by volunteers from participating agencies, will glean produce from fields, pick up excess produce from farms, and distribute it in areas of high need. The Food Bank will use its own truck for the produce recovery and distribution program, so area farms can donate product without having to provide transportation.

"Community Harvest provides a way for nutritious food that might otherwise be wasted to become a bounty for people in need," said Stephen Volpe, deputy chief of DEM's Division of Agriculture and Resource Marketing. "During last year's campaign, thanks to the generosity and partnership of farms throughout the local community, the Rhode Island Food Bank was able to collect and distribute over 60 tons of fresh, locally grown produce to the needy in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. This year we hope to do even better."

Growers with questions can call DEM's Volpe at 222-2781 ext. 4501.

* RI Food Bank contact: Lisa Roth Blackman 826-3073