What is gleaning? Gleaning is the act of gathering surplus food from farms, gardens, farmers markets, grocers, restaurants, backyards, orchards, and more—redirecting it from landfill and providing it to those in need.
GLEANING iS A FORM OF FOOD RECOVERY
Right now, we need gleaning programs more than ever. A recent report estimated that as much as 40% of the food that we produce is never eaten, and instead goes to landfill, where it generates high levels of methane gas. At the same time, there are 49 million people in the United States (and half a million in San Diego County) who are food insecure.
Institutions and government agencies are beginning to look at food recovery methods like gleaning as an important way to address problems of climate change, food waste, and food insecurity at once. Gleaning is one effective practice that takes food that would not make it to market for a variety of reasons, and get it to organizations that are relieving food insecurity.
You can help! Volunteer your surplus produce, time, vehicle, or donate to a gleaning program in San Diego County.
Gleaners in San Diego County collected over 500,000 pounds of food in 2016.
Most of these local gleaning organizations currently rely on volunteers and donated funds to maintain their operations.
I have fruit trees on my property
Volunteer your surplus produce for gleaning!
Save time picking and disposing of unwanted fruit.
Reduce the nuisance of rotting fruit attracting rodents and insects.
Or, pick your own surplus fruit and request a pickup or drop-off location to donate
Did you know? You are protected from liability by the federal Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, and eligible for a tax deduction for the value of your charitable contribution.
I have time
Volunteer as a gleaner!
Most gleaning organizations welcome volunteers of all ages, including families and groups, for whatever amount of time you have to give.
Some gleaning organizations allow volunteers seeking to complete school community service hours or court-ordered community service hours. Check with each organization for details.
I have a vehicle
Volunteer as a driver!
Move picked fruit to recipients. Many of the groups rely on volunteers to haul fresh produce in their own trucks, vans, SUVs, hatchbacks or sedans.
I'd like to donate funds
Donate to gleaning organizations!
Support this important work. Each organization's website has information or links to make donating easy. To access an organization in your area, scroll down to the listings in the charts below.