Have you ever heard of gleaning? Gleaning, or gathering leftover produce after a harvest, is gaining interest, especially since the price of fresh produce has been steadily increasing. Gleaning from overabundant fruit trees is especially popular. The act of gleaning around our community can provide many benefits and reduce the amount of wasted food. It can provide access to nutritious food for individuals and families in our community. The produce from gleaned fruit trees can supplement food pantries. Having a gleaning program within the community can allow fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste to feed our community members.
The Pocatello gleaning program is continuing this year, and we would like to invite volunteers to help and properties to glean from. This week, we’ve collected over 60lbs of pears and apples.
With more helping hands and more gleaning options, this project can have a greater impact on our community. We would also like to invite local farms to donate ugly, misshapen produce.
Let’s work together not to let produce around our community go to waste. If you are willing to volunteer for the Pocatello gleaning project, have a backyard fruit tree you would like to donate your produce, or are interested in learning how to preserve excess produce, please reach out. For more information, contact Bannock County Extension Educator, Katie at khickok@uidaho.edu or 208-236-7310.
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