By Jen Samuel,Managing Editor
HIGHTSTOWN — Does your garden rock?
Rise, a non-profit organization that fights poverty, recently initiated a new program that encourages locals to donate fresh fruits and vegetables harvested from their own gardens.
”This is the time of year that people have their gardens overflowing,” said Leslie Koppel, executive director at Rise, located at 116 N. Main St., in Hightstown.
Thus far, locals have brought in eggplants, cucumbers, squash and more from their gardens, she said. She hopes soon for peaches and apples.
The program was conceptualized a few weeks ago in attempt to expose fresh fruits and vegetables to people with very limited incomes, she said
”If we put the need out there, people will ‘rise’ to the need,” Ms. Koppel said, referring to the generous spirit of the East Windsor and Hightstown communities.
She noted that fresh vegetables and fruits are the most expensive items for people to buy and store.
Ranging from this new program, that encourages locals to donate home-grown produce, to an ongoing initiative to provide special Thanksgiving meals in November, Rise works to provide individuals and families with the one thing that many people take for granted: food.
People are encouraged to donate fresh produce to the food pantry until the harvest this autumn.
Regular donations are accepted yearlong.
The food pantry is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and accepts donations from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Located at 225 Franklin St., in Hightstown, the pantry is open 51 weeks a year.
The organization is also helping youngsters learn and have fun this July and August through its Hightstown-East Windsor Learning Partners-Summer HELP educational program.
120 students are currently enrolled. These youngsters are providing a talent show and art display beginning 2 p.m. Aug. 11 at Grace N. Rogers Elementary School, 380 Stockton Street, in Hightstown. The public is invited at attend.
To learn more, visit www.rise-community-services.org.
