POWAY (CBS 8) - When a group of activists from Poway, Rancho Bernardo and Rancho Penasquitos saw a need in their own communities, they came up with an idea.
"Maybe we could get a hold of all the backyard produce in people's yards that just goes to waste," Jane Radatz said.
That was the germination of the Backyard Produce Project.
"We just put the word out. We set up donation sites and some people bring us their produce and some say they need help picking," Jane said.
They asked their friends and neighbors to lend a hand.
"It's a completely grassroots effort -- all volunteers, and our volunteers, out of the goodness of their heart collect and garden and pick and donate it, all to the folks in need," Jane said.
And now the Backyard Produce Project is ascending to new heights.
"I absolutely love it. This is more fun than just about anything else I do," a volunteer said.
The group has created a garden as well.
"Today we have green beans, about 18 pounds of them, zucchini, yellow squash, parsley, cilantro. The tomatoes are coming in in another week or so," Jane said.
"The garden is on the grounds of Sunshine Care Homes, which is an assisted living, and they have generously donated not only the land but the water," Jane said.
From a single seed of an idea, a strong organization has grown.
"We're putting produce that would be wasted to good use and helping families in need in our community," Jane said.
And if reaching out in your own backyard resonates with you, the Backyard Produce Project is looking for a few good men and women.
"We would love to have them and we'll put them to good use," Jane said.
Neighbor helping neighbor in time of need. It's not exactly a new concept, but rather one that never grows old.
