Gleaning

From where and how frequently does Transition Sarasota glean?

In recent years, Transition Sarasota organizes volunteers to harvest excess produce from local farms such as Honeyside Farms and Enza Zaden Research.

Currently, volunteer opportunities to glean in the field are concentrated in May to June and November to December. Fruit Rescue (household fruit tree gleaning) typically occurs May to August.

Often, new harvest opportunities arise and Transition Sarasota needs help on short notice to divert the produce to a local food bank. All requests for volunteer help are distributed through our email list, so be sure to sign up to stay connected. You must RSVP for gleaning. This increased communication will ensure that all participants are able to stay safe while maximizing their impact.

Where does the gleaned produce go?

Produce harvested by our volunteers is donated to All Faiths Food Bank, The Food Bank of Manatee, or Feeding Tampa Bay, depending on the gleaning location.

I’m an area farm interested in getting involved with the Suncoast Gleaning Project. What do I do?

Transition Sarasota is always interested in expanding our partnerships with local producers to build a more resilient and local food economy! Contact us today to start the conversation.

What does a day of gleaning entail as a volunteer?

Children, seniors, and every age in between gather in the fields of the designated farm to glean the harvest together ⁠— no prior experience is necessary! Volunteers sign up ahead of time (in 2-hour shifts) and upon arrival to the farm, are given a detailed brief on how to properly glean the fresh produce that is available for harvest.

Beyond providing fresh, local fruits and vegetables to the food insecure, an additional benefit for volunteer gleaners is getting to take home a shopping bag full of fresh produce for themselves.

Standard farming safety precautions are practiced during gleaning. Closed toed shoes are required for participation, and ample sun protection and hydration is highly recommended. Bring your own, clean gardening gloves or borrow a pair of ours! Please note, there is a liability waiver for all gleaners to sign annually.

How has COVID 19 affected gleaning this year?

Volunteer safety is always our highest priority. In the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic, volunteers are expected to be aware and smart while participating in gleaning. During all steps of the day, it is vital that gleaners keep a responsible social distance (6 ft.) from one another and refrain from touching their faces. Face coverings (mouth and nose) are optional, but not required outside. Transition Sarasota will provide a mask option (subject to availability) for those who need them. Liberal hand-washing well before arriving to the farm, and bathing or washing hands well once you’ve return home is advised.

Please do not volunteer for gleaning if you are sick, or have been around someone who is sick. If you have a condition that puts you at risk, we also ask that you stay home from a gleaning event.

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