When volunteers sign-up, they are put on an email listserv (e.g. MailChimp). When a gleaning event is scheduled, an email is sent out to volunteers. If email is not an option for some, take the time to call them; it is worth it!
Historically, Florida has been a citrus mecca, and this produce was the bulk of SoSA’s gleaning. However, with back-to-back hurricanes and the spread of greening disease, this is no longer the case. The continuing pattern of hurricanes and other natural disasters has imperiled SoSA’s primary…
Beyond introducing new vegetables and working to convince food bank clients to take home unfamiliar produce, education can also include food preservation – what to do with excess fruit and veggies, or how to make the abundance of one season last into leaner times. Canning,…
In order to engage volunteers a Gleaning Coordinator can take some of the following steps: Talk with civic/volunteer groups/clubs such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Masons, Lions Club, Soroptomists, local business associations, etc. Talk with church leaders, especially outreach ministry coordinators. Hold informational events at public libraries…
Training Volunteers It is important before volunteers start gleaning that they have a clear sense of what to expect and what is expected of them. Making handouts that give them clear instructions helps ensure gleaning runs smoothly, and you do not cause any problems that…
Program Image When trying to establish a new program in a community it is important that the program has a strong and consistent image. This sort of branding helps your audiences recognize the program and assures them that the program is organized and reliable. Part…
Spreading the Word About Your Program At the end of the day, the whole point of gleaning is getting food to those in need. Thus, it is crucial for the success of any gleaning program to have strong connections to the food banks and meal…
Developing a Program Before starting to glean at a farmers market, make sure to contact the manager of the market and get their approval. When you first arrive at the market, go around to the different grower booths with materials about your program and talk…
Techniques for Harvesting Crops by Hand When farmers allow volunteers into their fields and orchards to harvest vegetables or fruits, they naturally want to avoid damage to crops providing their livelihood. Meeting with the farmer ahead of a gleaning event is vital when the farmer…
Talk straight, be available and amenable, and use infrastructure to your advantage, if you can handle food by the pallet you can benefit from relationships with larger farms that can save labor and other costs. Talk straight by doing exactly what you say. When working…