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Traditionally, Catholics have helped local food pantries by donating a can of beans from their cabinet or purchasing a box of macaroni and cheese from the grocery store. 

Now, some have taken the initiative to grow their own food.

For the past few months, Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese has been closely working with urban food pantries as part of the "Called to Be Church" pastoral planning process, identifying the needs of inner-city Catholics. One of the topics recently brought up in a monthly meeting was the need for more fresh fruits and vegetables.

As a result, Catholic Charities has been in touch with parishes across the Diocese to make them aware of this need.

"We're putting it out there," said Shannon Kelly, director of community-based services at Catholic Charities. "We've yet to have anyone contact us directly, though many parishes already have [programs] like this."

Summer bounty
The prayer and worship group at St. Bridget's parish in Copake Falls, for example, has a garden where they grow vegetables such as zucchini, corn, tomatoes and herbs, and oftentimes they will donate leftovers to their food pantry.

"It's been very successful," said Mary Burntitus, pastoral associate for faith formation at St. Bridget's. People in need love getting the fresh vegetables, she said: "They can't wait to come and pick them up after Sunday Mass."

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany receives produce from Roxbury Farm in Kinderhook, a cooperative farm which supplies excess produce for food pantries. According to Sister Margaret Mary Hohl, DC, it gives the people a variety of healthy choices.

"We give them options," said the sister, who handles social services for the parish. 
"Lettuce, carrots, celery, potatoes - they select what they want and nothing is wasted. And when there is extra, we can refrigerate it or take it to other food pantries."

The fresh produce at food pantries not only gives the needy more food, it also encourages nutritious eating habits.

"It is organic and it is fresh," said Mrs. Burntitus. "It helps people stay healthy and get the vitamins they need. And I think it will make them more conscious of eating healthy."

Sister Margaret Mary felt that, though it doesn't guarantee that families develop better eating habits, it at least gives them the option.

"You can bring a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it," she noted. "We encourage it and that's all we can do."

All over U.S.
The idea of doling out fresh produce at food pantries is taking hold across the country. Illinois, Texas, Michigan and other parts of New York State have reported teaming up with farmers and other individuals who donate their crops.

The Economic Opportunity Council, the most notable food pantry in Saratoga County, has been working with the Regional Food Bank, receiving fresh produce and fresh meat monthly.

"It has absolutely had an effect," said Lillian McCarthy, community services program director. "The fresh produce is amazing."

"Fresh is more expensive then canned," added Julie Hoxsie, executive director at Saratoga EOC. "A lot of times people ask how to prepare it, so we help them with that and give them ideas. It's a much healthier option and it's very popular here."

Catholic Charities welcomes any "better collaboration of human services and outreach to the poor," said Ms. Kelly. "If there's another group or just a parishioner that sees it in a bulletin and wants to help, we certainly welcome that, as well."

Though it is a process that is just in the beginning stages, Ms. Kelly feels it is something that should continue to grow.

"I'm sure it's on everybody's radar screen," she said.[[In-content Ad]]

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