Every Wednesday in Contra Costa County, volunteers from the UC Master Gardener program gather at ‘Our Garden’ in Walnut Creek to harvest hundreds of pounds of fresh produce. The garden donates between six and seven tons of organic fruits and vegetables each year to local families, providing about 700 family-sized bags annually.
The effort comes as grocery prices remain elevated—about 30% higher than before the pandemic—and reductions in food assistance have made it harder for many residents to afford healthy meals. According to local organizers, food donations are now essential for one in six Americans, including thousands in Contra Costa County.
Janet Miller, a volunteer with the UC Master Gardener program, explained that the team pays close attention to which crops travel well and what local families prefer to cook. “They’re not just growing food—they’re growing hope, one harvest at a time,” she said.
Once harvested, the produce is distributed by community partners such as White Pony Express and Monument Crisis Center. White Pony Express focuses on rescuing perishable foods and redistributing them quickly to agencies like food pantries and shelters. Nearly 90 percent of its distributed food is perishable, with most deliveries happening the same day they receive donations, ensuring freshness for recipients (https://whiteponyexpress.org/).
Monument Crisis Center supports around 2,200 households—over 8,000 individuals—and receives more than 25,000 pounds of donated food each month (https://www.monumentcrisiscenter.org/). Staff at both organizations report that fresh produce is especially valued because it provides nutritious meals that families want to eat.
“Fresh produce doesn’t just fill stomachs—it transforms lives. When a family receiving food assistance gets fresh bell peppers instead of only canned vegetables, they can make a cherished family recipe. When a senior on a fixed income receives tomatoes and basil, they can taste summer instead of opening another can of soup. This is more than nutrition; it’s dignity, culture, and connection.”
Organizers say the program’s impact extends beyond nutrition: families save money on groceries; children benefit from healthier diets; culturally appropriate foods are available; emotional well-being improves; and less food goes to waste overall.
“In a world where food waste and food insecurity exist side by side, Our Garden offers a different story—one where careful cultivation meets immediate need, volunteer expertise becomes community strength, and fresh produce bridges the gap between hunger and health, isolation and connection, and scarcity and abundance.”