6/18 Project Produce Update
Last Friday was the official launch of Project Produce. It is our new community venture where we collect fresh produce each week to take to First Step, a local domestic violence shelter. They will use the produce for the women and children in the shelter, and for those living in transitional housing while rebuilding their lives.
We started Project Produce this spring as an extension of our annual giving program, Project Mother’s Day and quickly realized how much it matched with the passion shared in the Exploits blog. I am learning that we can make great changes in our lives and our health through what we choose to eat. And here is Project Produce which is helping to provide fresh, local food for families in need.
Back to last week, Sandy and I were in Saugatuck so Project Produce Chair Amy D. went to the market solo with the “Big Pink Cart.” Amy walked around and talked to the vendors and shoppers. She wheeled around the cart and shared the idea behind Project Produce. The support she received was overwhelming.
This is what she was able to collect in one afternoon:
10 Tomatoes
2 Heads of cabbage
14 Quarts of strawberries
5 Apples
2 Quarts of peas
6 Onions
2 Bunches of spring onions
2 Bunches of radishes
Dill, Cilantro and Basil
8 Bunches of lettuce
1 Gallon of apple cider
1 Package of fresh cream cheese
2 Packages of fresh kielbasa
2 Packages of hand crafted scones
6 Loaves of artisan breads
1 jar of specialty pickles
1 Jar of specialty marinara sauce
1 Jar of Kenzoil, artisan garlic and herb oil.
$23 in cash donations
I am sharing this with you as a source of inspiration. In one afternoon, one person was able to collect that much food for our local domestic violence shelter! Small steps creating great change. We can all do this together. We can change our lives and the lives of those around us with the foods we choose to eat and by the actions we take.
I am excited to go to the market today to collect for Project Produce. If you are in the area of the Dearborn Farmers and Artisan Market, please stop by with a tasty fruit or veggie for the “Big Pink Cart” and say hello. If you live outside of the metro Detroit area, create your own version of Project Produce and tell us all about it.
The Big Pink Cart will be at the market (behind the Bryant Branch Library on Michigan Ave) every Friday 8am-1pm throughout the summer.
Have a great day
To find out more about Project Produce and Project Mother’s Day or to help support the program, please visit: www.projectmothersday.com
Tags: Big Pink Cart, compassionate eating, Dearborn Farmer's & Artisan Market, dearborn farmers market, donate produce, first step, project mothers day, project produce, vegan experience
