Molbak’s Garden Center, 13625 NE 175th St. in downtown Woodinville is asking employees and customers to donate home-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs for distribution at Hopelink food banks in downtown Redmond and the Totem Lake neighborhood in Kirkland.

Donations can be dropped off each Saturday in August at Molbak’s.

“Fresh fruits and vegetables are an incredibly important part of what we offer at Hopelink,” explained Adam Fleischer, food bank coordinator. “Without the donations of fresh produce, we are only able to offer the very basic staples like potatoes, onions and oranges. It is ideal when we are able to offer a variety and that’s what we can do with donated produce. In addition, the nutritional benefits of fresh produce come at a high cost, which makes them not as readily available to our clients.”   

Helping to feed the hungry and share your harvest is easy. There is no need to pre-wash the food, just bring the produce to Molbak’s. The donated food will be picked up and delivered to local Hopelink centers that support the surrounding communities. You can participate as an individual or team up with friends, social groups or community gardens.

Suggested donations include apples, blueberries, blackberries, cabbage, chard, carrots, kiwi, garlic, green beans, herbs, lettuces, peas, raspberries, summer squash, sweet peppers, tomatoes, winter squash or anything else from your garden.

Drop-off days are every Saturday in August, during Molbak’s store hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. First drop-off date is Saturday, Aug. 1.

Please place your donations on the carts provided, located just inside the garden store, by the cashier’s station.

Questions? Call (425) 483-5000 or 1-866-466-5225; or visit the Plant a Row page at www.molbaks.com.

You can also take donations directly to Hopelink. Visit their Web site for more information and directions: www.hope-link.org.