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Follow on Google News | National Foodcycle Week Galvanizes Gardeners to Help Food BanksBy: National Foodcycle Week The program aims to educate home gardeners across America about the urgent need for fresh fruits and vegetables in food banks, soup kitchens and shelters. “Not every facility can accept or store fresh produce,” says Baker, “but those who can are desperate for it.” Victor Hightower, the kitchen manager at Tucson’s Hospitality House (http://www.salvationarmytucson.org/#! Foodcycling, says Baker, is like freecycling. “It’s a way of sharing something that you don’t need, like an overabundance of zucchini, or deadfall apples, with those who do.” Baker’s website (http://www.solid- Baker points to the success of Victory Gardens during World War II. According to the National WWII Museum (http://www.nationalww2museum.org/ Baker is a self-confessed locavore and food fanatic. But her inspiration, she says, comes from her family’s farm in Chehalis, Washington. “Our property has been a Christmas tree farm for 50 years,” she says. “But this fall, all the trees are coming down and barns are going up.” Baker’s brother Gary Cooke, who now owns and manages the 30 acre property, is converting the former tree farm to a non-profit which will raise pork and high-nutrient produce to supply the local food bank and homeless shelter. “He has the support of the whole family,” said Baker. “And as far as we know, we’re only the second farm in the U.S. to be doing this. So it’s a huge challenge, but so inspirational.” Baker will celebrate her 60th birthday on October 20th. “I wanted to do something special to celebrate this birthday,” she said. “So I came up with this idea.” “It’s meaningful, and it’s a legacy that my children and grandchildren can be proud of. I hope America adopts it.” End
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