#FightingFoodInsecurity #ReducingFoodWaste #ImprovingNutrition
Sweet Summer Surprises: Gieringer Farm's Generous Melon Donation Brings Joy to Pantry Guests
AUGUST 18, 2023
At After the Harvest, we’re always thrilled to witness the impact of our partnerships with local farmers. This past Tuesday, August 8, marked a particularly heartwarming moment as we received a bountiful donation of delectable melons from our esteemed partner, Gieringer Farm. These juicy delights made their way to our partner agencies, bringing smiles and satisfaction to countless individuals in need within our community.
As part of our ongoing commitment to fighting food waste and addressing food insecurity, we were delighted to welcome these delicious melons from the Gieringer family. These ripe treasures were lovingly harvested Tuesday morning and promptly delivered to pantries by Tuesday afternoon, ensuring their freshness and quality for immediate distribution.
One of our agency partners at Overland Park Christian Church shared their experience with us, and their words truly encapsulate the impact of this donation. As they noted, “These delicious melons were picked up from our partner farmers, the Gieringers. They were delivered to my pantry yesterday afternoon, for distribution Tuesday evening. The pantry guests were so excited to choose their own cantaloupe and watermelon to take home.”
As our partner described, “For those people who were physically unable to reach into a bin, there was always another pantry guest to help them.”
Interestingly, some pantry guests were surprised to learn the backstory behind the melon donation. “Some asked why there were so many melons to give away. I told them these melons were the wrong size and buyers wouldn’t purchase them for the local grocery stores. They were shocked that someone would refuse these wonderful melons, but thrilled they could take them home,” shared our agency partner.
One particularly heartwarming anecdote comes from a grateful gentleman who left the pantry with a big grin and a heart full of appreciation. He recounted, “Oh, I got my watermelon! It looked so good, I couldn’t resist. So, I knew I had some time before it was my turn to shop for food, so I took my melon over to that grassy area and dropped it. It broke open, just like I wanted it to. And, I sat on the grass and ate it all right there! It was the best thing I’ve eaten in a long time. Thank you.”
This heartening story serves as a reminder of the profound impact a simple act of generosity can have on individuals’ lives. We extend our deepest gratitude to Gieringer Farm for their dedication to fighting food waste and their unwavering support of our mission to alleviate hunger in our community.
As we continue our journey toward a world with less food waste and greater food accessibility, stories like these fuel our passion and drive. Together with partners like Gieringer Farm and Overland Park Christian Church and compassionate individuals like you, we’re making strides in creating a brighter and more nourished future for all.