SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - People with gardens and groves in their back yard are helping others through the coronavirus pandemic, by donating their extra fruits and veggies.
"Especially in these times where we're just looking for good stories and good things to do, that was in my heart to encourage other people," says Terri Healy. She donated six full boxes worth of fruit from her backyard trees.
Healy was inspired by a message from her Pastor at the Rock Church. So she took the fruit to a nearby nursery, and posted a sign that said "Free Organic Fruit." It was gone within a couple of days.
"The employees there said that the customers were just so excited to receive it," says Healy. "We're thrilled that it was used in the community."
Community is a big deal to KK Kvernland. She helps run the Second Chance Youth Garden. It gives at-risk teens hands-on training in a garden, as well as mentoring. Kvernland had to cancel the classes during the pandemic and was looking for something to do with all the vegetables they grew.
"We usually run a delivery box service, sell at fruit stands, to restaurants, and the kids all take home food each week," she explains. "Now, we're putting our heads together, and we really want to get food to the most vulnerable people in our community, including our participants and their families."
They're also asking for help, as they're missing out on the revenue they get from sales.
"We're asking people to come and donate to our website so that we're able to cover the costs to provide people food to the people that needed the most," says Kvernland.
For both Healy and Kvernland, and countless other people who have been giving away the fruits and veggies they grow at home, this is all about coming together during a crisis.
"It's just a good reminder that it's important to have community resilience," says Kvernland. "And it's important to make sure that services are accessible for all types of people."
"We're trying to encourage others," says Healy. "What can you do with your farm or your ranch? Is there anything on your farms that you can use to help spread the food supply to people in your community? It's a good feeling."
For more information about the Second Chance Youth Garden, or to make a donation, click here.
