The High Plains Food Bank is often lucky enough to receive large donations of produce from area businesses. However, on occasion, because produce is often donated past is peak of freshness, and the amount donated is so large  it cannot be distributed before it begins its journey to the other side. To put it bluntly, it rots. Fortunately, there is a way to put all of those generous donations to good use even after they've passed on. We at The Garden spent the greater part of this last week doing just that, and by that I mean composting nearly ten thousand pounds of considerably past their prime bananas. If you feel your stomach beginning to turn, please stay with me. [more]

Less than one year ago, I was an eighth grade teacher. I was a member of a special group, bold and daring enough to venture into the minefield of adolescent hormones. Upon excepting the position of Nutrition Education Director for The High Plains Food Bank, my world opened up to include a much smaller version of the students I knew. [more]