Tim and Erica Leubner, owners of Tim’s Pumpkin Patch in Marietta, recently learned about a local gleaning program (produce donation program) that the Onondaga County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, and Play in Onondaga County, the Central New York Regional Market Authority, and the Assumption Food Pantry have been working on and they wanted to become a part of it! Erica Leubner explained, “We have harvested a variety of squash this season and decided we would like to share it.   We are pleased to be donating a variety of winter squash to people who will enjoy it and who may not have access or be able to afford it. It is our way of giving during the Thanksgiving season.”

Brother Nicholas Spano from the Assumption Church Food Pantry and his team of volunteers were happy to make the trip to Marietta and collect the produce donation. Brother Nicholas explained, “We feed hundreds of people each day, and to be able to provide fresh and locally grown produce is both wonderful and healthy. I am so grateful, and I am sure the recipients will be too, to the Leubner’s for their generous donation.”

Kathy Mogle from the Onondaga County Health Department explained the importance of consuming fresh vegetables and fruits daily. “Research suggests that eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Research continues to show that many essential nutrients in fresh produce may protect you from cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. A healthful diet can also give you more energy, help reduce weight gain, and may even reduce the effects of aging”.

For more information about the gleaning program, please contact Creating Healthy Places to Eat, Work, and Play in Onondaga County at 435-3280 or online at www.ongov.net/health/CreatingHealthyPlaces.