UPDATE: In a groundbreaking initiative, Roots in Reverie Farm in Lee, New Hampshire, is teaming up with NH Gleans to tackle food waste and hunger in the community. The program is crucial as it has just been reported that the number of families seeking assistance has doubled since the opening of Gather’s new facility in October 2023.
With food insecurity on the rise, Gather, a nonprofit organization on the Seacoast, is dedicated to ensuring that no food goes to waste. According to Allison Bussiere, food systems coordinator with Gather, gleaning involves collecting surplus harvest from local farms to help feed those in need. This initiative is vital as it diverts perfectly good produce from landfills and into the hands of families who require it most.
Currently, NH Gleans operates six programs across the state, collaborating with farms like Roots in Reverie to gather excess produce that would otherwise be discarded. Bussiere stated, “Oftentimes, if there’s no market for it or it doesn’t meet market standards, it could end up being tilled over or going to a landfill.” She emphasized the importance of this effort in transforming what she calls a “win-win” situation for both farmers and families.
Farm manager Josh Andrews at Roots in Reverie confirms that while some crops may not meet cosmetic standards for retail, they remain “110% edible and still just as tasty.” These “misfit” vegetables are now essential to the mission of feeding the hungry in the community.
The process is straightforward: farmers can either drop off their surplus crops at Gather’s facilities or volunteers can assist in harvesting directly from the farms. After gleaning, the produce is washed and either distributed directly to local food pantries or prepared into pre-made meals for those in need.
Since the opening of its new facility in October, Gather has seen a staggering increase in demand, serving an average of 150 families daily. Anne Hayes, Gather’s executive director, highlighted this dramatic rise, noting that just three months prior, they averaged only 65 families a day. “We are seeing about an average of 150 families coming into the space every day looking for food,” Hayes reported.
This surge in support underscores the urgency of the situation as more families turn to Gather for assistance. The collaboration between local farms and organizations like NH Gleans is more crucial than ever, providing a lifeline for families facing food insecurity.
As gleaning efforts continue to expand, the community remains hopeful that this innovative approach will not only reduce food waste but also significantly alleviate hunger. The partnership between farmers and nonprofits is proving to be a powerful solution in combatting food insecurity in New Hampshire and serves as a model for similar initiatives nationwide.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as local farms and organizations continue to work together to support families in need.
