Communities bringing farm surplus to those who need it.
Gleaning veg from farms and redistributing to food banks and charities across Cornwall and Plymouth 🥦 Help us build the network and make this happen!
Gleaning Cornwall is a growing network of volunteer gleaners (harvesters) and drivers who are salvaging produce from farms and growers and distribute it to foodbanks, soup kitchens and charities that feed those most in need. It looks to support the incredible work already happening in this county to solve this key issue and that of food wasted on farms in Cornwall and food poverty.
Farmers currently suffer from incredibly tight margins as we pay relatively little for our food in the UK. Sometimes it is uneconomic to harvest all the vegetables or fruit, there may be a glut, the market might change and some are just not up to supermarket standards being wonky, too big or too small. Also, farmers have to ensure they have enough produce and have to over produce in case of pest, disease, flooding or drought. After all, farming is not an exact science!
Our Cornish gleaners plan to harvest surplus food or pick-up wonky produce and deliver this to food banks and community kitchens. In doing so they are bringing an age-old practice to avoid waste into the 21st century.
Volunteering with Gleaning Cornwall – What to expect
Volunteering with Gleaning Cornwall is a fun way to keep fit, meet some great people all whilst giving your time and energy to a worthwhile cause that is helping people in your community to access healthy fresh food.
Our coordinators are trained in first aid and manual handling so that we can make your time with us as safe as possible. We provide safety equipment where necessary. We will also advise you of which gleans are suitable for you to bring children and the age group it is suitable for. It’s great to make it a family activity but farms can be dangerous places therefore it’s important that you supervise them at all times.
Please ensure you are well prepared with suitable warm clothes, waterproofs and wellies. Remember to bring a drink to keep you well hydrated and to bring food to give you energy. The time commitment you give is up to you. So, come for an hour or come for the whole glean, the choice is yours.