Feeding America believes that food insecurity impacts one in eight people in west and northern Michigan. To address this issue, Michigan State University Extension is encouraging home gardeners to consider "growing a row" of produce for donation to their local food pantry this season. Many northern Michigan pantries are seeking donations of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs.

All donations are welcome, but please consider popular items such as:

• Peppers
• Apples
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Green beans
• Cabbage
• Cherries
• Cucumbers
• Onions
• Peaches
• Carrots
• Squash (winter and summer)
• Pears
• Radishes
• Melons

Pantries ask that donated produce is clean, fresh, ripe, whole, uncut, undamaged and in separate packaging for different produce types. If using pesticides, make sure to follow the pesticide instructions. Please don't donate produce that you wouldn't buy for your own family.

Under terms of theBill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, donors are protected from liability, should the product donated in good faith later cause harm to the recipient. Be sure to check with your local pantry on the best days and times to bring in donated produce.

Michigan State University Extensionprovides support for home gardeners. Theirvegetable gardening websiteprovides an extensive list of resources, from finding the best location for a vegetable garden in your yard, planting techniques, to managing pests and diseases.MSU Extension Master Gardenersalso staff a toll-free hotline during normal business hours in the growing season for gardening questions at 1-888-678-3464