Why Do We Rescue Food?

Why do we rescue food? Why do we go to a farm to harvest unwanted produce to donate to food banks, or do farmers market rescues, or harvest excess fruit from backyard trees to donate to food pantries? 

Wasting food is not good for the environment, our community, or our economy. Feeding hungry people with excess food rather than throwing it away is the logical next step. When you are financially challenged, just having access to a simple thing like a delicious fresh salad is huge. Perhaps you can enjoy a family meal of stuffed peppers that would not otherwise be possible because your budget would never allow for fresh peppers. Maybe, because you received some fresh produce, you can eat a little healthier like your doctor recommended for your health condition, because you are struggling to make it on your fixed income.

I was having some car repairs done and, while I was waiting, another customer and I began to chat. I shared with him about our gleaning program. He then shared the following story:

I have health issues myself and am raising five children on my own. I lost my job in 2022 and had to go to a food pantry for groceries. There was always very little produce and it was tough. One day, I went and I received amazing fresh tomatoes and peppers. I was so grateful for those! I couldn’t believe it!

I then asked him what pantry he was going to and around what time frame. When he told me, it hit me. Oh, my gosh! Those were Enza Zaden veggies harvested by our gleaners!

There are farms, market vendors, and homeowners who are excited to join us in stopping food waste and making fresh food accessible to local people in need. Even though we are a small organization, we know that we can have impact, make changes, and help our community neighbors. We don’t just stand by…we show up, we jump in, and we do the work. Because we know that sometimes you have to jump in and get your feed muddy to get the job done.

Thank you for getting your feet muddy with us.