The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank is accepting fresh fruit and vegetable donations in Toledo. This effort helps local growers share extra harvest with families in need.
Growers can donate extra food instead of letting it go to waste. Donated items must be clean and fit for human consumption. Donations are best brought in a box, but clean containers are accepted.
Community members can bring food donations to 24 E. Woodruff Ave. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Barbara Hofstetter is the director of operations and human resources. Hofstetter said the organization focuses on the nutritional value of its food offerings.
“We don’t want to make sure that we are just providing food items, but nutritional food items to make more healthy meals, which gives more energy to the body and mind,” Hofstetter said.
Refrigeration space is limited at the Toledo facility. The organization especially appreciates non-refrigerated produce items:
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Squash
- Apples
- Peppers
Hofstetter emphasized that minimal amounts are welcome. Even a handful of cherry tomatoes helps.
“It is always worth it,” Hofstetter said. “Every donation no matter how big or how small. Imagine if everybody came in here with a small donation. We would have a lot of produce coming into our building.”
The food bank distributed over 650,000 pounds of fresh produce so far this year. Officials aim to increase that total with community donations. The regional food bank serves eight counties across Northwest Ohio and partners with 150 member agencies.
Food banks collect surplus items from growers, grocers and individuals. They distribute these supplies through a network of local partner pantries and meal sites.
The facility welcomes donations directly at the Woodruff Avenue site in Toledo.
