SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Backyard gardeners will play in the dirt this weekend and Feeding South Dakota asks that they plant an extra row of produce to donate to a local food pantry.
Jennifer Stensaas with Feeding South Dakota says last year's goal was to collect 40,000 pounds of fresh produce but state gardeners tripled that.
Stensaas says while most of the benefit is realized in the fall harvest, gardeners do bring in spring vegetable including rhubarb. She asks that instead of letting rhubarb rot in the garden, take it in to the local food pantry.
Feeding South Dakota CEO Matt Gassen says this year the "goal is to connect gardens with their local food pantries all across the state. Fresh produce can be the most expensive items in a grocery basket often causing families to go without."
Stensaas says food pantries are challenged to provide healthier food such as fresh produce.