Just Food plans produce giveaways to get surplus veggies in hands of those in need

Just Food has a surplus of fresh produce — a good thing, as long as the organization can connect with people who need it.

To help do that, Just Food is starting a Monday-morning produce giveaway beginning this week.

At 10 a.m., Douglas County residents in need can pick up produce at the Just Food Mobile Food Pantry, 1000 E. 11th St. With the exception of Labor Day, the pickup will happen at the same time each Monday as long as the growing season continues to produce extra veggies, Just Food director Jeremy Farmer said.

Farmer attributes the surplus to two things: More gardeners than ever are donating produce to the pantry, and the weather has been agreeable for farmers, who also donate.

“Because of the rain, they’re just inundated with food,” Farmer said. “Nobody wants it to go to waste.”