English

Explore gleaning programs worldwide: recovering surplus crops, reducing food waste, and combating hunger. Learn how to participate and contribute to a sustainable food system.

Gleaning: A Global Solution to Food Waste and Food Insecurity

Food waste is a global crisis, contributing to environmental problems, economic losses, and widespread food insecurity. Approximately one-third of the food produced globally is wasted, a staggering statistic that highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions. Gleaning, the practice of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after harvest or from fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest, offers a powerful and practical approach to addressing both food waste and hunger. This article explores the concept of gleaning, its benefits, different models implemented worldwide, and how you can get involved.

What is Gleaning?

Gleaning is an ancient practice with roots in biblical times. Today, it refers to the collection of crops that would otherwise go to waste. This can occur for several reasons:

Gleaning provides a win-win solution. Farmers can reduce waste and potentially receive tax benefits, while food banks and charities gain access to fresh, nutritious produce to distribute to those in need. Volunteers also benefit from participating in a meaningful activity that connects them to the food system and their community.

The Benefits of Gleaning Programs

Gleaning offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond simply providing food to those in need:

Global Examples of Gleaning Initiatives

Gleaning programs exist in various forms around the world, adapted to local contexts and needs. Here are a few examples showcasing the diversity of these initiatives:

North America

In the United States, organizations like End Hunger, and AmpleHarvest.org connect gardeners and farmers with local food pantries. Many local food banks also coordinate their own gleaning efforts. These programs often involve volunteers who harvest surplus crops from farms and gardens. The Society of Saint Andrew is a national organization dedicated to gleaning and redistribution of fresh produce.

In Canada, organizations like the Food Rescue and numerous local food banks have gleaning programs, partnering with farms to recover surplus produce and distribute it to communities in need. Many initiatives are driven by local community groups and volunteers.

Europe

In the United Kingdom, organizations like Feedback Global advocate for reducing food waste and support gleaning initiatives. They work with farmers and volunteers to collect surplus produce and distribute it to charities. Many local initiatives are farmer-led, focusing on reducing waste on their own farms and donating to local organizations.

In France, laws have been implemented to encourage food donations by supermarkets and restaurants, reducing food waste and supporting food banks. While not strictly "gleaning" in the traditional sense, this legislation has significantly increased the availability of edible food for redistribution to those in need. Numerous associations organize collections of unsold but perfectly edible products from markets and farms.

Australia

Organizations like SecondBite work with farmers, wholesalers, and retailers to rescue surplus food and distribute it to community food programs across the country. They have a strong focus on recovering produce from farms and markets that would otherwise be discarded.

Africa

While formalized gleaning programs may be less prevalent in some parts of Africa, traditional practices of collecting leftover crops from fields exist in many communities. These practices are often informal and community-based, relying on local knowledge and networks to distribute the food to those who need it most. Organizations are starting to work with local communities to improve the efficiency and sustainability of these traditional practices. Many initiatives focus on improving post-harvest handling and storage to reduce losses and make more food available.

Asia

In India, various organizations are working to reduce food waste through initiatives such as improved storage and transportation methods, as well as connecting farmers with markets to reduce losses. While formal gleaning programs are still developing, there is a growing awareness of the need to address food waste and food insecurity. Many initiatives focus on reducing food waste at weddings and large events, where significant amounts of food are often discarded.

Models of Gleaning Programs

Gleaning programs can take various forms, depending on the resources available, the needs of the community, and the type of crops being harvested. Some common models include:

Challenges and Solutions in Gleaning

While gleaning offers a promising solution to food waste and food insecurity, it also faces several challenges:

Getting Involved in Gleaning

There are many ways to get involved in gleaning, regardless of your background or location:

The Future of Gleaning

Gleaning has the potential to play a significant role in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system. As awareness of food waste and food insecurity grows, so too will the demand for innovative solutions like gleaning. By expanding gleaning programs, supporting farmers, and engaging volunteers, we can reduce food waste, combat hunger, and build stronger communities. The future of gleaning depends on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food. Investing in gleaning infrastructure, such as cold storage and transportation, will also be crucial for maximizing the impact of these programs. Furthermore, integrating gleaning into agricultural education and training programs can help raise awareness among future generations of farmers and food system professionals.

Let's work together to make gleaning a mainstream practice and create a world where no food goes to waste while people go hungry.

Resources

Gleaning: A Global Solution to Food Waste and Food Insecurity | MLOG