More Info
The Gleaning Project is a volunteer program of Harvest Pierce County and the Pierce Conservation District that reduces food waste by harvesting unsalable produce from local farms and residential fruit trees. The bounty is then donated to local hunger relief organizations (such as food banks, pantries, etc.) increasing access, availability, and awareness of healthy produce to underserved populations in Pierce County. The Gleaning Project is always looking to partner with residential fruit tree owners
Benefits
- Get food to those in need: We donate at least 50% of our harvested fruit to the emergency food system. The rest of the fruit is divided equally between the Site Steward (homeowner, renter, site manager, etc.) and volunteer harvesters!
- Mess: Fruit tree's can get messy! If you don't harvest all the fruit on your tree, the fruit will drop, rot, smell, and attract pests. Whenever gleaning volunteers are called to harvest, we harvest all fruit within reach (we use ladders and extended pickers) and pick up the ground fall as well to leave your property nice and clean after we leave!
- Simplicity: Gleaning volunteers can work with your schedule. Whether you need rejected produce culled, a whole pallet picked up, or multiple fields harvested with 30 volunteers, we will work with you to find the easiest way to remove your excess. The coordinator will also check in via phone or email throughout the season at the Site Steward's preference and convenience.
- No Liability: Site Stewards that work with the Gleaning Project are not liable for potential damage from their crop or to volunteers. Produce donated through the Gleaning Project is covered by the Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and volunteers are covered by Pierce Conservation District insurance.
- Tax Write Off: All Site Stewards receive a donation receipt which can be used as a tax write off at $1.79 for each pound of fruit donated (a typical harvest is 100-250 pounds).
Contact Us Today!
If you have any questions or would like to register your fruit tree over the phone, contact Devon Kerr:
Email: DevonK@piercecd.org
Phone:253-290-8232