Training VolunteersIt 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 will...
Program ImageWhen 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 of...
Spreading the Word About Your ProgramAt 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 programs...
Developing a ProgramBefore 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 to...
Techniques for Harvesting Crops by HandWhen 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 won’t...
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 with...
The main framework of a Victory Gardens program is that outreach is done to connect with local gardeners, who are told that they can donate produce to their food banks. Then they are given information about where to drop off donations. It is good to...
Economical harvesting tools can be found anywhere. It is possible to come up with a useful tool for any type of harvesting. When trying to come up with tools they typically fall into two categories: knives and others. KnivesKnives are extremely useful as they can be...
Permaculture for Sustainable Food SourcesMother Nature did it first, which experts recognized while developing permaculture as an agricultural system. Basically, food growing areas are designed to mimic nature, with integration of land, water, and plants. Efficient use of resources maximizes food production while minimizing ecological...
Resources to Contact Local GrowersState agricultural extension officesLocal business and organizations that work with the agricultural communityFood co-opsState agricultural insurance companiesFood banksIt is important to first contact these established groups with information about your program, and then ask them to either pass-on information directly to...