Are you planning out your garden for the summer and fall? Did you already plant some seeds? If you are a gardener, chances are that you will have plenty of produce to share at different times throughout summer and early fall. Did you ever consider donating fresh produce to your local food pantry or food bank?  If so, here are 8 tips from Michigan State University Extension:

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/eight_tips_for_donating_fresh_produce_to_food_pantries

Here is another tidbit from MSUE: Did you know that those who donate food to food banks and pantries are protected by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act that was signed into law in 1996 by President Bill Clinton? This federal act protects those who donate produce from their garden, and those who donate grocery products, to nonprofit organizations for distribution to people in need, from criminal and civil liability. Under terms of this Act, donors are protected, if the products were donated in good faith but later caused harm to the recipient. It also standardizes donor liability exposure and sets a floor of gross negligence or intentional misconduct for people who donate grocery products.

Blue Dot Pantry donations:

• Monetary donations can be given to Dominican Life or the Advancement Office in the form of cash or check. Please make checks payable to Edgewood College.
• Chartwells accepts cash donations in the Wingra Café and cash or credit at the registers in Phil’s.
• Non-perishable food items can be donated to Dominican Life, Predolin 240.

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Bullock in Dominican Life at sbullock@edgewood.edu, 663-3261.