Laying the groundwork for an effective and resilient network involves a few key components, beginning with building relationships. This is not a quick or clear process, yet without trust, the Washington Gleaning Network cannot possibly have the larger conversations needed to create a collaborative space…
Creating the right environment where people can freely communicate and collaborate is essential for fostering collaboration, creativity, and shared goals. There are many ways to facilitate connection, or build relationships, between organizations in a community, but here are a few guidelines that may be helpful…
Gathering a Baseline for Gleaning Organizations Gleaning organizations play a crucial role in reducing food waste and addressing hunger by recovering surplus food. However, for these organizations to maximize their impact and ensure sustainability, they need strong support systems. One key element is the gathering…
In managing any project, staying organized is essential. Whether working with a team or managing tasks independently, effective project management tools can make the difference between success and stagnation. That can sound intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with these tools, but here are a few…
Volunteers are more than likely critical to your project’s functionality. Respecting volunteers and knowing each of their strengths and weaknesses saves time and frustration. Know your needs. Make sure you know how many volunteers are needed, what will be expected of them, and how long…
Create a PowerPoint presentation: Presenting your project to organizations using visuals aids is engaging, professional, and enjoyable for both the presenter and their audience. Utilize social media, blogs, social networking sites: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even Craigslist are great resources. This Bootstrapping Your Social Media Engagement slideshow gives some great ideas on how to increase…
Second Harvest distributes more than 2 million pounds of donated food each month to help people in need in its service region – the Inland Northwest. Partnerships with more than 250 neighborhood food banks and meal centers make it possible for Second Harvest to feed 50,000 people each…
Second Harvest’s Gleaning Project aims to capture surplus produce throughout the Spokane area by mobilizing volunteers to harvest crops that would otherwise go to waste. Local farmers and residential fruit tree owners contact Second Harvest or Spokane Edible Tree Project to have a crew of gleaners come…
There are many reasons to start a seed library in your community. The specific reasons behind starting your community’s seed library may help inform your choice in finding a place to store, inventory, and disperse seeds. Work with your community to find the best model…
Under the gleaning project umbrella, Second Harvest has implemented a fruit tree registry geared towards salvaging fruit from residential and orchard trees. Homeowners ideally maintain and harvest their own fruit when possible. Second Harvest supplies the education (workshops), as well as picking boxes and transportation on harvest…