What can you do with that endless supply of zucchini? On Tuesday, August 8, otherwise known as “National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day,” Kent State University at Trumbull, Warren Family Mission and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley are asking local growers with an abundance of zucchini and other produce to donate their bounties to local families in need.
The holiday was created by Thomas & Ruth Roy, under the name of Wellcat Holidays & Herbs (www.wellcat.com), as a way of “ridding yourself of unwanted surplus summer squash.”
“We think this is a great opportunity to promote giving to local food banks,” said Dr. Lance Grahn, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, Kent State Trumbull. “We aim to serve as an innovative engine and engaged partner to meet community needs and enhance the quality of life in the Valley.”
Trumbull County Drop-Off
Warren Family Mission, 155 Tod Ave N.W. in Warren. (Drop-off Aug. 8, between 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
https://warrenfamilymission.com/
Mahoning County Drop-Off
Second Harvest Food Bank, 2805 Salt Springs Rd. in Youngstown (Drop-off Aug. 8, between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
https://www.mahoningvalleysecondharvest.org/
Warren Mission will distribute to families in need on Friday, Aug. 11 at the distribution site, 1312 W. Market in Warren. Donations made to Second Harvest Food Bank support nearly 150 food pantries in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties.
Picture Yourself (and Your Zucchini) on a 48-ft Digital Billboard
Kent State Trumbull is also looking for community members who want to help promote the campaign on a digital billboard near the 7-11 connector and on social media. Growers should submit a picture of themselves or family with their abundance of zucchini. Four pictures will be chosen and will appear in rotation on the billboard on Aug. 8. Photo submissions that are at least 800x800 pixels should be emailed to Bill Burgess, marketing coordinator, Kent State Trumbull, wjburges@kent.edu by 11 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 3 or posted to Twitter and tagged with @KentTrumbull.