Community initiative turns surplus zucchini into food aid

This week, local officials are promoting \"Sneak a Zucchini on Your Neighbor's Porch Day,\" an initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity in Northwest Ohio. With one in seven residents and one in five youth facing food insecurity, the program encourages residents to share their excess garden produce rather than letting it go to waste.

Instead of the traditional porch drop-off, residents are invited to bring their surplus produce to the county office on Thursday from 7 AM to noon. The collected items will be distributed to local food pantries, fostering community connections and awareness about food donation laws in Ohio, which protect donors from liability when giving fresh produce.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of gardening education, with over 60 youth participating in garden-related projects at the recent Lucas County Fair. Upcoming programs will focus on food preservation techniques, including water bathing and pressure canning, to help residents extend their harvest throughout the year.

Additionally, the county is collaborating with Central State University to implement a pilot program aimed at urban youth training, and a grant has been secured to introduce hydroponic systems in local libraries, enhancing community education about food sources.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on appointments to the Lucas County Workforce Development Board, where two new members were proposed to bring diverse perspectives to the board, which aligns workforce development programs with local business needs.