Food waste happens at every level of the supply chain, including the farm. For a variety of reasons, millions of pounds of fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetable are simply left unharvested every year. Gleaning is the process of rescuing those leftover crops from the field and providing them to people in need. It's a great way to reduce food waste and fight hunger simultaneously, but it does require a significant volunteer effort. For the second year in a row, Gentle Giant Moving Company of Philadephia was willing to make the commitment.
On August 7, Philabundance, a food bank that provides assistance to the greater Philadelphia area, asked if Gentle Giant would be able to participate in another glean this summer. Just two weeks later, Gentle Giant sent a team of volunteers to A.T. Buzby Farm in Pilesgrove, NJ. Their mission: to rescue as many pounds of fresh corn as possible.
"It was such a wonderful and unexpected surprise to schedule something so quickly," said Monika Crosby of Philabundance.
The Gentle Giant crew was able to glean 1,700 pounds of delicious New Jersey corn. Food banks have made it a priority to improve the amount of fresh produce they distribute for the health benefits it provides. According to Philabundance, every 1 pound of produce donated enhances 1 meal. Gentle Giant, then, helped to enhance 1,700 meals!
"It was really unique and awe inspiring to see so many people wanting to make a difference in their community," Crosby said.
Thank you to the Gentle Giant crew for once again providing fresh, nutritious food to your neighbors in need!
Interested in gleaning at a farm near you? Contact Kara to find opportunities in your area.
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