Through a new grant from NH Farm to School, Seacoast Eat Local will be coordinating gleaning projects in the Seacoast region! Through this work we aim to make a critical connection between local farms, gardeners, and other producers, and the many food pantry’s in our area.
Gleaning is an ancient practice of gathering post-harvest fruits and vegetables from farmers fields, reducing the amount of produce that goes to waste. Gleaning, or harvesting surplus produce, is also one of the most significant ways we can provide fresh food to the needy families in our community. With the invitation of the property owner, farmer or gardener, volunteers will pick surplus vegetables and fruit and deliver them to the local food pantry, shelter or soup kitchen.
We will be organizing gleaning days through out the summer and fall, and will have more information soon.
Farm to Pantry: We will need volunteers to help us harvest foods on the farm, and transport foods to food pantrys.
Market to Pantry: We will also continue our Farmers’ Market Gleaning, where we invite patrons of the market and farmers to donate fresh foods to a local pantry. We will need a volunteer to help collect foods at the end of the market day, and deliver it to a local pantry.
Great Overview of Gleaning from NPR – Gleaning A Harvest For The Needy By Fighting Waste
If you are interested in becoming a gleaner and joining our volunteer email list, please email [email protected].