Gleaning Program

How does it work?

When the farmer has extra produce, he/she phones the YWCA. The YWCA rents a bus and transports the people who need fresh produce to the farm. Gleaning happens at a date/time that is convenient to the farmer. YWCA and Peterborough County-City Health Unit staff accompany gleaners on each trip. No extra work is added to the farmer's busy day.

Participants provide their own containers. A drink, hat and sunscreen are recommended. The Gleaning project is open to all persons struggling financially, and is for personal use. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

What do participants say about the program?

"There is such good food, beautiful food. You can't know what this means to my family. In the country I came from, there is so much war that people are not able to grow such food. I have never seen such beautiful fruit. My family will eat good food this winter."

"I froze 4 big bags of corn that had been taken off the cob...it felt good to be working hard."

"For my family, gleaning trips were our summer vacation. My kids and I spent time together outside...it was great!"

What do farmers say about the program?

"Seeing the busloads of "Gleaners" pull into our farm makes us wonder if there are more farmers who would benefit from this experience. For us it is a win-win situation."

Netta O'Marra
O'Marra's Berry Farm
Summer 1998

"The Gleaning Program is a winning proposition for everyone involved. It's good for the farmer and it's good for participants. The participants are grateful and everybody wins."

Olive Brown
Cholparo Farms
October 1998

"It's a good program. It is beneficial to the farmers and the community. The families involved were respectful and considerate. The families really enjoyed the visit to the farm."

Sharon Jedlieka
Berry Delicious Farm
September 1998

What are the common questions and concerns of farmers about the program?

My paying customers won't buy produce from me any more if they can get it for free.

"The Gleaning Project doesn't cost farmers any money. It's about eliminating waste...only people who can't pay for produce are here with staff to pick excess produce for free."

Gerry O'Marra
O'Marra Berry Farm
August 1998

I'm very busy and don't have much time. How much extra work would I have to do if I got involved?

"It's an excellent project and very well managed. All I had to do was make a phone call and show staff where to pick."

Sharon Jedicka
Berry Delicious Farm
September 1998

How do I know that the people who pick the food are low-income people?

"This is the best group we have ever given our produce to. People who got the food really needed it and couldn't afford to pay for it."

Olive Brown
Cholparo Farms
October 1998

Does the program really make a difference?

Last year, local farmers donated $12,800 worth of produce to the gleaning project.

For more information about the Gleaning Program, please contact:

Joan Mercer
YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria & Haliburton
(705) 743-3526

or

Natalie Warner
Peterborough County-City Health Unit
(705) 743-1000