Farms Join NH Gleans to Combat Food Waste and Hunger NOW

UPDATE: Farms across New Hampshire are stepping up to fight food waste and hunger through the urgent NH Gleans program. Roots in Reverie Farm in Lee is one of many local farms contributing to this vital initiative, ensuring surplus produce reaches those in need.

Just announced: The NH Gleans program, coordinated by Gather, is collecting excess harvests from farms and diverting perfectly good food from landfills. Allison Bussiere, the food systems coordinator at Gather, explains that gleaning is crucial for maximizing food resources and addressing food insecurity.

With six active programs across the state, NH Gleans partners with farms like Roots in Reverie to collect excess vegetables and unmarketable produce. Bussiere emphasizes that much of this food is still nutrient-rich, stating, “Oftentimes, if there’s no market for it, it could end up just being tilled over in the field or going to a landfill.”

Farm manager Josh Andrews insists that all gleaned produce is still “110% edible and just as tasty,” despite not meeting retail standards. “They’re just the funky bunch, the misfits,” he adds, highlighting the deliciousness of this overlooked bounty.

Volunteers play a critical role, assisting with harvests and transporting the food back to Gather’s facility on the Seacoast. Once there, the produce is washed and either distributed through local food pantries or transformed into ready-to-eat meals for those in need.

Since the opening of its new facility in October 2023, Gather has seen an explosive increase in demand, with 150 families now seeking assistance daily, up from just 65 families in the summer months. Executive Director Anne Hayes remarks, “We are seeing about an average of 150 families coming into the space every day looking for food.”

This collaborative effort not only reduces food waste but also directly impacts the community by providing nourishing meals to families facing food insecurity. Bussiere calls this initiative a “win-win,” emphasizing the importance of saving food from landfills and putting it on tables.

As this urgent program continues to grow, community members are encouraged to get involved. Whether through volunteering, donating, or supporting local farms, every action makes a difference in the fight against hunger.

Stay tuned for more updates on how NH Gleans and local farms are transforming surplus food into hope for families across New Hampshire. This is a developing story impacting communities right now, and your support can help make a change.