Have you ever met a gardener that didn't like to share the fruits of their labor? Are you a gardener that has extra produce and would like to share? Voices For Food is a community based organization that is working to supply families in need with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Produce Grown In Nebraska
Enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits that are in season. In-season produce has more flavor and is usually cheaper. Great sources of seasonal produce include planting a garden and/or shopping at a local farmers market or a local grocery store. Buying local foods help support local farmers and the economy while knowing where your food comes from.
Produce Drop Off Sites
If you have a abundance of produce, you may take it to the following collection sites, where it will be shared with the food pantries or human service agencies.
View all locationsSiouxland Community Health Center of Nebraska (Central Hub)
3410 Futures Drive
South Sioux City, NE 68776
Monday 7:30 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Tuesday & Wednesday 7:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Thursday 7:30 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Friday 7:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Bobbi Culbertson 402-412-7242
bculbertson@slandchc.com
Nebraska Extension - Dakota County
1505 Broadway
Dakota City, NE 68731
Monday - Thursday
9:00 A. M. - 4:00 P.M.
Brenda Sale or Tammy Peterson 402-987-2140
bsale2@unl.edu
Northeast Nebraska Community Action Agency
2120 Dakota Avenue
South Sioux City, NE 68776
9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Monday - Friday
Contact: 402-494-8312
Food Pantry Sites
If you are in need of food for your family, visit the pantries located in Dakota County.
View all locationsDakota City Fire Station
208 S 21st St
Dakota City, NE 68731
4th Thursday of every month
4:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Contact Dakota City, City Hall
402-987-3448
First Lutheran Church
3601 Dakota Avenue
South Sioux City, NE 68776
1st & 3rd Thursday of the month
1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Contact: 402-494-5461
St. Paul Methodist Church
2003 A Street
South Sioux City, NE 68776
2nd Friday of every month
2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Contact: 402-494-4138
Northeast Nebraska Community Action Agency
2120 Dakota Avenue
South Sioux City, NE 68776
8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Monday - Friday (By Appointment only)
This pantry is available up to 3 times per year for emergency food needs only.
Contact: 402-494-8312
Dakota County Food Pantry Site Flyer (PDF): English, Spanish
Top 13 Vegetables to Donate to Food Pantries
Food pantries prefer common vegetables that keep for a day or two without refrigeration, are easy to prepare, and have a variety of uses. The following is a list of preferred vegetables to donate to food pantries.
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Sweet Potatoes
- Carrots
- Beans
For more information check out the "Top 13 vegetables to donate to food pantries " publication by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
For more information on community donation gardening, visit Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Community Donation Gardening Toolkit
Fresh green leafy lettuce and spinach, Crunchy red radishes, Hearty peppery kale, and Flavorful chives.
Food Preservation, Food Safety & Education
As each of these garden items come into season find different ways to prepare and serve the bounty provided in the area's gardens!
Check out food.unl.edu for everything cooking, preserving and keeping your food supply safe for your family.
SNNEAK
(Seasonal Nebraska Nutrition Education Activity Kit): Produce fact sheets include recipes and education with details about handling, preparation, cooking and storage.
Recipes from Asparagus to Zucchini (There are multiple pages of recipes, click to advance to next page)
Want to learn more about growing your own fresh garden produce?
Backyard Farmer has organized resources to help you start your very own vegetable garden!