Alūksne Hospital in Latvia accepts surplus harvests from local residents and farmers
The hospital in the Latvian city of Alūksne has appealed to local residents, farmers and household plot owners to donate surplus vegetables and berries. The produce is used to expand the menu for patients, LSM English reports.
Berries and vegetables for the hospital kitchen
Silvis Samiņš, the owner of the Auzīņas farm from Alsviķi Parish, donated blueberries to the hospital. According to him, there are currently so many berries that he cannot sell them all at the market in Alūksne. The farmer had previously also brought cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables to the institution.
Anita Žukova, chair of the board of Alūksne Hospital, explained that many people in the municipality have their own vegetable gardens, and there are also numerous farms operating there. During abundant harvests, local residents look for ways to dispose of surplus produce every year. The hospital had already cooperated with local farmers who supply it with products grown in the area, so it decided to involve residents in collecting donations as well.
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Recording donations and preparing supplies for winter
The donated products include zucchini, cucumbers, onions and tomatoes. Some of the donations have already been used to prepare salads and stews, while blueberries were added to compote. Chief physician Jolanta Umure gave these dishes a positive assessment.
According to Žukova, the hospital documents all donations to ensure the traceability of products for staff and regulatory authorities. The log records the donor's first and last name, the type and quantity of products, and the date they were handed over. The institution plans to continue the collection during the harvest season and build up supplies for winter. The hospital expects that such a campaign will also be held in the coming years.
