BLACK FOREST — Like many others in the food service industry, local lettuce farmers who supplied local restaurants found their business drying up due to COVID-19 restrictions.
But they're not letting their recent harvest go to waste.
Emerge Hydroponics is giving away fresh lettuce twice a day in Black Forest.
They expect to have enough to continue handing out the lettuce for weeks.
Greenhouse manager Jason Burkett said the entire company agreed with the plan.
"Talked to our staff members, board members, so really everyone on staff was well behind it to make it happen," Burkett said.
He added that rather than let it go to waste they're using it to bring hope and happiness to the community.
"Whereas selling to the local restaurants, they all pretty much closed. And we knew we had all this produce we didn't want it to go to waste so might as well donate it," Burkett said. "Because people are out of jobs and can't afford to buy groceries right now and stuff so we have it let's give it to them."
Details about upcoming giveaways are available on the YWAMemerge Facebook page.
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