As seeds are arriving in the mail and gardeners around the country are sharping their tools, spreading compost, and laying out their beds, keep in mind that many local food banks can use any extra produce you grow.

In Bloomington Indiana, there's a program that brings together community gardeners, back yard gardeners parks and recreation and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard the largest food pantry in Monroe County. Last year, the Plant a Row program collected more than 20,000 pounds of fresh produce. Full Article

In Seattle, there are about 70 community gardens (or P-Patches) as they call them, which have dedicated "giving gardens". Every year the Interbay P-Patch Food Bank Garden grows about 2 tons of fresh organic produce, which goes to a local food bank, meals-on-wheels programs and shelters for women and children.