Agencies are the third side of the triangle of gleaning. Agencies are the places where gleaned food is distributed to those who are in need. Agencies can take a variety of forms. The goal is to get the produce onto the tables of hungry people as quickly and fresh as possible..
Farmers are foundational to the gleaning network. Growers must know that gleaning operations are not trying to “take advantage” of them, or do any harm to their crops, land, or business. It is essential that they understand that we have their interests at heart, as well as the needs of the hungry in our communities..
Farmers, growers, and residential growers and home gardeners provide the donations necessary for the Society of Saint Andrew to function. SoSA’s top priority is to offer amazing customer service to every food provider and reassure them that hungry Americans receive their food donations..
Urban Abundance has historically been funded by a recurring charitable donation, but maintaining donor relations with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and fruit donors is paramount to ensuring program sustainability..
Donor Relations for the OIC are split into two sections: material donations and food donations. The short but sweet first half is donations for the community garden. OIC Garden’s main donor is Lowes, and their contact person is Ryan Milton or Josh Rowhes..
Like any other in-kind or monetary donors, the farmers giving the food bank fresh produce need to feel that the (literal) fruits of their labor are appreciated. Just because a farmer donates once to a food pantry does not necessarily mean they will donate again….
Donation needs for New Roots often center around the emergency food pantry, and garden supplies. The IRC receives a great deal of community support, and the Development team often receives offers from community members and companies for donations to certain programs..
Whidbey Island has a large community of homeowners engaged in growing their own produce, as well as numerous fruit trees located around the South end. The food bank sees a steady flow of produce donations from the community during the growing season, and the fruit tree gleaning program was created to help prevent excess fruit from going to waste..
Resources to Contact Local Growers State agricultural extension offices Local business and organizations that work with the agricultural community Food co-ops State agricultural insurance companies Food banks It is important to first contact these established groups with information about your program, and then ask them…
All of the produce sourced into the cannery project comes from Northwest Harvest (NWH). Relations with Northwest Harvest as a donor have been extremely important to the vitality of “Yes, we CAN!” as a reliable source of produce for the coalition’s food banks. The VISTA cultivated…