Instead of getting rid of leftover strawberries, one Cape Breton farm donates them
Rather than getting rid of the leftovers from this year's strawberry crop, Brian Greene welcomed about 20 volunteers to the Cape Breton farm where he works for a harvest effort to benefit those who could use it most.
Quinn's Farm in Millville is donating all the berries left in its fields to the Glace Bay Food Bank, whose staff and volunteers headed out Tuesday to pick close to 300 pounds.
"For us, it's a no-brainer," said Greene.
Kimberly McPherson, the food bank's garden co-ordinator, said the berries will be used all year by clients who can't afford to buy them in a store but love the taste.
"The delight of someone two years old all the way up to 90," said McPherson. "They have the same anticipation and they're very happy to have these berries."
The berries will be chopped up, cleaned and readied to give away. Some will be given to clients fresh, while others will be turned into jam or frozen so they can be distributed in the winter months.
Nicole MacLeod was among the volunteers who wanted to help and said food banks don't get much local produce.
"It's really important that people that aren't able to afford it themselves can get some," she said.
Deuane MacKay was another picker in the field. She's a regular client of the food bank and also volunteers as often as she can.
"It's like a family environment, everybody helps everybody, it's overwhelming," said MacKay. "When you get that order [of food], when you really need it, it gets you through to that next payday."
And the red bursts of sweetness are a delicious bonus.
"It's great, especially when you have a son that loves strawberries," she said.
The group will be back to Quinn's Farm in the fall for cucumbers and pumpkins.
"I think it's a fantastic idea and I hope it catches on," said Greene.
