We were excited to hear of the completion today of AmpleHarvest.org’s free app that allows anyone with the new Android phone to access AmpleHarvest.org’s database to find nearby food pantries or soup kitchens where they can donate any excess produce from their home gardens. This app, along with an earlier version suitable for the iphone was underwritten by a grant from the Good People Fund.

Gary Oppenheimer, AmpleHarvest.org’s founder told us exactly how it works:

Using either the built in GPS or a user entered zip code, the app displays a Google map highlighting all of the AmpleHarvest.org registered food pantries in the area. Once a pantry is selected, it then displays detailed data including the contact and address information, days/times that the pantry can accept donations, as well as information about items the pantry most urgently needs. It can also connect the user with the pantry web site if one exists. Lastly, it also provides donors a convenient way to inform AmpleHarvest.org about the items or produce donated, should they wish to.

For most of us the planting season is about to get underway. It costs so little to plant a bit more–think of how many hungry people might benefit from your green thumb!