Got produce? You can help feed the homeless

The Union Gospel Mission in Sioux Falls is hoping farmers and gardeners will donate leftover produce this harvest season to help feed the homeless.

“Getting fresh produce to the hungry and homeless is critically important. We’d be delighted to be beneficiaries of backyard and community gardens,” CEO Eric Weber said.

The center at 220 N. Weber Ave. is hoping to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to the diets of those it serves.

“We serve hundreds of homeless and poor each day, and malnutrition is a challenge for these populations,” Weber said.  “Many suffer with medical, dental and mental health issues and often resort to diets loaded with fat and sugar.”

That leads to deteriorating health, especially in those addicted to drugs and alcohol, he said. That includes heart problems, diabetes, respiratory issues and obesity.

“We want to provide balanced meals to counteract the effects of life on the streets. Fresh vegetables and fruits will go a long way to helping meet that need this fall and winter,” Weber said.

Union Gospel Mission Sioux Falls provides more than 10,000 on-site meals for the homeless each month.

“And in August alone, we gave out 1,698 food boxes,” Weber said. “Donations of any size will be used to provide healthy meals on-site and for families picking up our food boxes. So if you have too much zucchini, tomatoes, corn — whatever you have, we will use it to help others in need.”

For information about Union Gospel Mission’s food needs and how you can help, click here.