Donate your backyard bounty to food banks. Here's how

Is your garden producing more than you can eat?

Then now is the time to share your harvest with local food banks, who are in need of fresh food.

(One side note: if If you're looking for a way to use of nine cups of zucchini, this tripled almond zucchini bread recipe if for you.)

This Saturday, Sept. 17, and next, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Molbak's Garden + Home in Woodinville is collecting just-picked homegrown produce, including fruits, vegetables and herbs, for Hopelink's food bank programs in Redmond and Totem Lake.

Don't wash the food. Just place it in bags for delivery to the nursery at 13625 NE 175th St., Woodinville.

Suggested donations include blueberries, blackberries, cabbage, chard, carrots, kiwi, garlic, green beans, herbs, lettuces, peas, raspberries, summer squash, sweet peppers, tomatoes and winter squash. Please do not donate apples or oranges.

Click here or call 425-483-5000 for more information.

If Molbak's is a too far from your home, check with your local food bank to see if homegrown produce is accepted.

See tinyurl.com/snocofoodbanks for a list of Snohomish County food banks or see www.voaww.org/findafooddrive for a list of ongoing food drives in the area.

The Volunteers of America Everett Food Bank accepts donations, including just-picked produce, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1230 Broadway, Everett.

Most-wanted items include canned meats (such as tuna, chicken and salmon), canned and boxed meals (such as chili, stew, macaroni and cheese), peanut butter, beans, pasta, rice, cereal, canned fruits, fruit juice and baby food.

Do not donate perishables, open or used items, rusty or unlabeled cans, homemade items, alcoholic beverages, mixes or soda.

Call 425-259-3191 or see www.voaww.org/food_bank for more details.