MILFORD -- Have a surplus of produce from your summer garden?  You can donate your fresh fruits and vegetables to Delawareans in need.

The Food Bank of Delaware announced on August 5 that they will be accepting fresh produce donations from both backyard gardeners and local farmers.

"Our neighbors love getting fresh produce when they visit the Food Bank or one of our agency partners," said Cathy Kanefsky, the president and CEO of the Food Bank. "So many people who we serve have diet-related conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, so getting them fresh, nutritious foods is so important to us, and there is nothing better than a backyard summer tomato."

Last year, the Food Bank of Delaware distributed 2.5 million pounds of fresh produce to Delawareans in need. Produce comes from a variety of sources including farmers, backyard gardeners, local retailers and the Food Bank's own 5-acre farm in Newark and 3.5-acre garden in Milford.

“Our own efforts to grow fresh produce serves as a commitment to supplying our neighbors in need with fresh and nutritious produce,” said Food Bank of Delaware Agricultural Programs Director Kyle Brolis.

To ensure food safety, follow the guidlines below:

• Donate only good quality, fresh produce
• Please do not place fresh produce in trash bags when donating because they are not food grade and can cause chemicals to leak into food.
• Brush off as much mud and soil as possible from the produce

Donated produce can be dropped off to the Food Bank of Delaware in Milford or Newark and through the Food Bank of Delaware partner food pantries across the state. A complete list of drop-off location can be found at www.fbd.org/plant-a-row/.