Washington Gleaning Network

The Washington Gleaning Network is a network of gleaning organizations throughout Washington state who are working to grow the local gleaning movement. Together, we are stronger as we work to support the great work that gleaners do, and ultimately get more fresh local food into the hands of those who need it most.

In July 2024 we had the opportunity to glean from the small farm, 21 Acres in Woodinville WA. More than 25 pounds of blueberries were harvested in conjunction with Harvest Against Hunger, PCC markets, Seattle Farmers Markets and Teen Feed.

On Saturday, July 20th, 2024, more than 20 people gathered in Bellingham, WA to pick blueberries for hunger relief alongside the Washington Gleaning Network and in partnership with Christ the King (CTK) Food Share & Farm.

This collaborative glean was organized by Hopelink at Food Bank Farm in Snohomish, WA in August 2024. More than 2,000 pounds of corn was harvested in collaboration with 5 organizations including Hopelink, Ballard Food Bank, Harvest Against Hunger, Foundation for Edmonds School District and the Lake Forest Park Rotary club.

In September 2024, UVMEND (Leavenworth, WA) hosted the Roma tomato glean. A farmer practicing growing for Heinz ketchup donated 5 acres to hunger relief!

7-26-25 Bow Blueberry Glean (Facebook Post) (1) — In total, the day’s efforts yielded an impressive 150 pounds of blueberries, with 9 volunteers lending their time and energy. Skagit Gleaners coordinated the event alongside 5 participating organizations: U-District Food Bank, Community Action Skagit, CTK Farm and Food Share and, of course, the Washington Gleaning Network. Together these organizations represent at least 10 food banks, proving that a strong network of support exists within the Skagit community and Washington state.

September Blueberry Glean — Thanks to Food Bank Farm, Hopelink & everyone who came out to support hunger relief and pick blueberries at this event! What a beautiful event it was, with an excellent turn out with more than 60 people harvesting around 200 pounds of blueberries! There were so many great folks in attendance from church groups to food banks to local rotarians.

An equitable, sustainable and interconnected food system where no food is wasted and all communities thrive.

Coming Up Next:

January 2026 Meeting: Creative Narrations

You’re invited to a special Storytelling Workshop on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 10:00–12:00 PM (PST) with professional storyteller Laura Porfirio of Creative Narrations. This two-hour session will help us practice telling our own gleaning stories that reflect our impact and strengthen how we communicate our work for outreach, grants, and community connection.

>>> Please take a few minutes to download and go through the first 1-2 pages of the Story Planning Packet before the December holidays, so you’ll be ready to share your story in January’s session. The worksheet will help you choose and outline a short, 2–3 minute, story around one of two themes: Stretching Resources, Stretching Ourselves or The Power and Puzzle of Volunteers.

Washington State Gleaner's Conference - March 2026

Get ready for a day of inspiration, connection, and community at the Washington Gleaners Conference (WaG) March 6th, 2026! We’re celebrating the people and programs that power food recovery across our state with engaging sessions, shared stories, and opportunities to learn and grow together. Click the button below or the image for more information.

Registration coming in January 2026

Resources:

A Gleaning Network Toolkit

The Creating a Gleaning Network Toolkit is a comprehensive guide developed by an Americorps Harvest VISTA for communities looking to build or strengthen their gleaning movement. Based on the work of the Washington Gleaning Network, it provides practical steps, resources, and real-world examples on assessment, outreach, sustainability, and more.

Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your efforts, this toolkit is designed to help communities connect gleaning programs together to support and grow the gleaning movement in your community.