Help Loaves and Fishes: Plant a “Recession Garden”

Victory gardens were the rage during World War I and II when the government encouraged citizens to plant vegetable gardens as part of the war effort, thereby reducing the pressure on the public food supply.  Today there is another war effort: the war on hunger. The economic recession that descended upon us in late 2008 and continues to this day has left a path of destruction that this country has not seen since the Great Depression.

Home foreclosures, lost jobs, reductions in work hours, higher health care costs, and fewer charitable donations means that when food is needed the most, someone must answer the call. Loaves & Fishes is here to answer that call and we need your help. We have an idea that you might find enjoyable and beneficial to our clients health. Plant today’s version of a Victory Garden: a Recession Garden!

Do you have fruit trees that you can no longer pick? Do you have the time and the land for a vegetable garden? Loaves and Fishes can put this food to use in our central kitchen. We produce over 800 meals a day. Fresh fruit and fresh vegetables are always at the top of our list for their appeal and nutrient value. We at Loaves and Fishes plan to put volunteer teams together to pick fruits and vegetables. We just need to know who has the produce and who is willing to donate it to us. We will provide the volunteers to pick the produce and give you a tax deductable receipt for the product. You can contact our volunteer services manager, Rodger Jensen, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 925-687-6760.

Don’t have trees or a garden, but still want to help? Please make a donation today to support meal services and healthy nutrition for the hungry of Contra Costa.