The ‘FDL Fresh 5’ is a food donation program that connects farmers’ market vendors with local food pantries. Amanda Miller worked with local sellers, Bill and Lynda Zeleske, to create and implement the program many years ago. All are members of the Fond du Lac Farmers Market Steering Committee. 

The program is designed to be highly community based. It gives vendors the opportunity to donate excess produce at the end of the market. Oftentimes, this is the produce that may otherwise have gone to waste. It also gives customers the opportunity to either bring non-perishable items (canned goods, for example) to donate, or to “buy two, give one” while shopping for fresh produce at the market. 

The ‘fresh 5’ logo is intended to emphasize healthier donations, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and lower sodium canned goods, whether perishable or non-perishable. Local pantries are often stocked with highly processed foods that are high in sodium, fat, sugars, and calories. 

Recipients this year are Broken Bread and the Fondy Food Pantry, who will be collected at the farmers market every Saturday.