Field Training and Farm Etiquette Every glean includes field training for volunteers and reviewing farm etiquette, as well as any special harvesting instructions from the farmer. (*Note: all gleaning coordinators should check with the farmer for special instructions on harvesting crops.) The success of a gleaning…
The first attempt to recover produce from the Thursday night Chelan Farmers’ Market yielded mixed results. The Farmers Market Manager was enthusiastic about gleaning produce, and also allowed the use of the Farmers Market information table for Community Harvest materials. A donation box was set…
Community Farm Connection (CFC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to supporting small farmers and improving consumer access to locally grown food. CFC supports sustainable agriculture, small diversified farms, and local communities by bringing farmers new opportunities to get their bounty to the consumer. Working…
In order to effectively start a gleaning project, a VISTA needs to familiarize themselves with the regional hunger relief agencies and the existing food and distribution systems in the communities served. This was accomplished by conducting a regional food bank survey which included questions addressing the…
Donor Establishment Process The gleaning coordinator identified local farms that might be interested through either prior affiliation or expressed interest by the donor. (a) Often a tri-fold explaining what Community Harvest does along with some frequently asked questions was mailed or emailed to potential donors. (b) When possible, face-to-face contact was made to…
Recruitment There are many ways to help potential volunteers discover the fun and enriching volunteer opportunities available to them. Always start with your organization’s current volunteer base to recruit for a new gleaning program. Let your existing volunteer base know that friends, family, or affiliated…
There are many different ways to engage your community with your organization. Try different tactics to draw people in, because once you do, they will be glad to learn about what you’re doing! Table at popular community events. Make your display vibrant, inviting, educational and…
The Clark County Food Bank gleaning program began in 2012 with the help of 90 enlisted volunteers, 20 growers, 12 donors, and 9 gleaning event hosts. They are always working to expand their farm base in “keeping it local.” Volunteering with a gleaning project is…
There are seven farmer’s markets in Clark County. Currently, there are two produce recovery stations: one at the downtown Vancouver Farmers market and another at the Salmon Creek Farmers Market. Together, these markets have over 300 vendors and attract thousands of patrons every year. This…
https://youtu.be/ddzxgz0fRSE In 1985, the Clark County Food Bank (CCFB) became the primary, countywide nonprofit food distribution organization as the successor 501(c)(3) organization of the Clark County Food Bank Coalition. CCFB is a member of the Oregon Food Bank network and provides bulk food to 34…