Contact the Tree Owner

SETP always gets permission before gleaning. Gather information about the tree(s) and the property with assistance from the tree owner. Details to gather:

• Tree owner’s contact information
• Tree types
• Number of trees
• Tree heights
• Location of the trees on the property
• Additional notes about the trees and quality of fruit

Gleaning Equipment Arrangements

These are questions about equipment to consider when preparing for the glean.

• What kinds of equipment will be needed for the type of fruit you will be harvesting?
• What equipment will the organization provide?
• What equipment can the tree owner provide? If the fruit is high, does the tree owner have ladders that volunteers can use?
• Who will transport the equipment?

Before the Glean

• Pick a meeting location. For gleans at homes, SETP suggests meeting at a public space close to the location, then carpooling to the home.
• Recruit volunteers. Promote the glean through social media, the organization’s website, email blasts, etc.
• Determine where the fruit will go after the glean, and who will deliver it.
• Print forms. Your organization might want volunteers to sign a gleaning liability waiver and a check-in sheet. Have your forms ready to bring to the glean.
• Load the vehicle with gleaning equipment.

During the Glean

• Make sure volunteers complete any required paperwork.
• Make sure everyone knows how to harvest the fruit.
• Make sure everyone knows how to safely use equipment.
• Thank everyone for coming.

After the Glean

• Take the produce to a storage location or a distribution partner (if applicable).
• Weigh the produce or ask the distribution partner to provide a receipt with the weight.
• Submit donation receipts, forms, and any notes about the glean to office staff for record keeping.
• Send a thank you letter to the tree owner.