How Food Gleaning Programs Help Me Save Money on Groceries

Have you heard about food gleaning programs?! Many of our readers and subscribers haven’t heard of this before but I’ve learned firsthand that it’s a powerful and effective way to save money on groceries.

In fact, just yesterday I picked up a 22 pound box of Honeycrisp apples for just $12 from our local gleaning program. That’s about $0.54 per pound, which is significantly cheaper than the $1.59 that my local grocery store is charging for Honeycrisp apples right now. If I’d bought them at the store, I would have paid almost three times as much!

Let’s talk about how you can get free or low-cost fruits and veggies straight from the farm with your local food gleaning programs.

What is Gleaning?

In a nutshell, gleaning is like a second harvest. After farmers pick their main crop, there’s often still perfectly good fruits and vegetables left in the fields. Sometimes it’s because they’re not the “perfect” shape or size for grocery stores, or maybe there’s just too much to harvest all at once.

Gleaning organizations step in to gather this leftover produce and distribute it to people in need. It’s a win-win-win: farmers reduce food waste, the environment benefits, and families get access to fresh, healthy food they might not otherwise be able to afford.

How Gleaning Works

It may sound simple, but there’s actually a lot of coordination that goes into making food gleaning programs successful. Let’s break down the typical process:

First, gleaning organizations establish relationships with local farmers. This involves open communication about what crops might be available for gleaning, when they’ll be ready, and any specific instructions for harvesting.

The organization then recruits volunteers and trains them. They rely on people in the community who are willing to safely and effectively harvest different types of produce. It’s important that these volunteers pay close attention to any rules or guidelines from the farmer.

On the designated day, volunteers head out to the fields. They might be picking apples from trees, digging up potatoes, or collecting leftover berries. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, exercise, and meet new people!

Once the produce is harvested, it’s brought back to a central location for sorting and packing. Volunteers help to clean and organize the food, making sure it’s safe and ready to eat.

The gleaned produce is then distributed in a variety of ways, and this is ultimately up to each individual gleaning program. Some groups sell the produce directly while others may donate it to food banks, soup kitchens, shelters or other organizations.

Many organizations allow volunteers to take food home for their personal use, as well. Volunteering with a food gleaning program is a great way to get extra food for your household for free. Even if you don’t volunteer in the fields, though, you may be able to buy the gleaned produce for a very low cost.

Is Gleaning Right For You?

Gleaning is a fantastic opportunity for many people, but it’s not for everyone. There are a few things that you need to consider before you sign up.

• Physical activity may be required. Since food gleaning programs rely on volunteers, they may need you to help with the harvest. This could involve bending, lifting, and walking in fields. You may have to dig in the dirt. Make sure you’re comfortable with the level of physical activity required by your local organization.
• You may need to buy in bulk. These clubs often sell produce in larger quantities, such as boxes or bags. This is a great option for larger families or those that can store food for later. If you’re not sure you can use all the food before it spoils, consider finding a friend or two to share your order (and expenses) with.
• Availability is very seasonal. This isn’t a replacement for your regular grocery shopping. Because it’s based around the harvest, the type of food that will be available depends on the season, weather, and crops in your area. Check with local organizations for their schedules.
• You’ll need transportation. Delivery usually isn’t available unless you can coordinate with another volunteer. Instead, you’ll typically need a way to get to the location and transport your produce home.

If you’re still unsure, I recommend reaching out to your local programs to see what their policies and events are like. That way, you can have a better idea of what you’re getting into.

My Experience with Gleaning

I’m very grateful that you can benefit from gleaners club prices without actually going into the farms yourself. I spend most of my time working and I don’t have a lot of time to volunteer during this particular season of my life.

Thankfully, I was recently invited to my local gleaners club. I had the chance to buy the food for a very low price, and I was blown away by the selection and the prices. I walked away with a ton of apples, but they also had plums, tomatoes, garlic, and even jalapenos available for bargain rates.

How to Find Food Gleaning Programs Near You

Of course, the most important question is how to find a food gleaning program in your area so that you can get started with these savings, too!

• Start with Online Search. There are online directories like the National Gleaning Project that can help you find known gleaning programs in your area.
• Contact Your Local Farmers. Visit your local Farmers Market and ask your local farmers directly. They may be aware of gleaning programs in your area or they may be open to letting you glean from their fields after their harvest.
• Ask Community Gardens. Depending on where you’re located, there may be community gardens that are willing to share their harvest. You can look for these opportunities near you by using the American Community Garden Association Database.
• Inquire at Food Banks. Many food gleaning programs donate their excess food to local food banks. If you ask, the food bank may be able to put you in contact with the organizations that operate in your area.

If all else fails, you can also ask around on Nextdoor, your local community Facebook group, or even at your local library or community center. If nobody else has started one yet, you can also consider starting one yourself! The USDA has a great guide on how to setup a gleaner’s club.

Relief Recap

Gleaning is a great way to get farm-fresh produce for free or very low-cost. It’s an excellent resource for low income people, especially larger families who may need bulk quantities of certain items. This article has provided several ways that you can find gleaner’s clubs in your area.

Remember, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions! Most gleaning organizations are eager to welcome new volunteers and will be happy to provide you with information about their programs.