South Carolina has the second highest percentage of hungry people in the nation, yet 27 percent of all food produced is thrown away.

It is the mission of the recently formed nonprofit organization Fields To Families to reduce that waste by coordinating distribution of surplus produce from local gardens and farms to local soup kitchens, shelters, and other agencies who feed the hungry. More than 5,000 lbs. of fresh produce has been distributed just this year!

Visit local farmers markets to drop off surplus produce from your garden or stop by to learn more about how you can support Fields To Families:

• Charleston Farmers Market; Marion Square, downtown; Saturdays - 8 am to 2 pm
  *Fields To Families representatives will be at the Master Gardeners’ booth from 12 to 1:30 pm
• Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market; Old Moultrie Middle School, Coleman Blvd.; Tuesdays - 3 pm to dusk
  *Fields To Families representatives will be available from 6 pm to dusk
• Summerville Farmers Market; Dody Street (near town center); Saturdays - 8 am to 1 pm
  *Fields To Families representatives will be available from 12 to 1 pm

Produce from the public is welcome at any of the markets and may be left at the Master Gardeners’ table or at the Fields to Families table at anytime. (Leave your name and number with the donation.)

For more information, call 843.881.6798 or email fieldstofamillies@bellsouth.net.