Green Daily

Green beans with almonds, mashed potatoes with chives and gravy, fruit cups, barbecue, tater tots and yogurt that's about to meet its expiration date... familiar with any of these items? Perhaps you know them from your last catering job, your local greasy spoon, your school lunch program or the hospital cafeteria you just left?

As the economy transforms from cream to curdle, more people are seeking out food assistance. But less food is available from them to take home. One solution for some is to visit an emergency food center, where food from commercial kitchens is donated for an evening meal. The concept is both humanitarian and environmental. Places like hospitals, restaurants and schools donate their leftovers to these centers instead of throwing away the food.

Trouble is, businesses aren't making as many extras as they once did in an effort to cut costs. Nonetheless, there is usually a little something to give to those in need.

If you're in need of such a place, you can usually find one in the phone book or through social services. Don't expect to find them online. These are shoestring, volunteer organizations. If you happen to own a business with extra food you can find a program to donate to through the USDA's Food and Nutrition Programs page. The United Way and local food shelves also tend to know where you can find these programs.