UPDATE: The NH Gleans program is urgently addressing food insecurity in New Hampshire by transforming surplus harvests into nourishment for families in need. Just announced, this initiative is making a significant impact, with 150 families visiting local food pantries daily, doubling the number served since the opening of Gather’s new facility in October 2023.
At Roots in Reverie Farm in Lee, New Hampshire, farmers are repurposing what would have been wasted crops into vital food resources. The farm grows a variety of vegetables and flowers but often cannot harvest everything in time. With the help of NH Gleans, these nutrient-rich foods are diverted from landfills and delivered to local pantries.
Allison Bussiere, food systems coordinator with Gather, a nonprofit focused on combating food insecurity on the Seacoast, explains that gleaning prevents perfectly good food from going to waste. “We collect surplus harvest from local growers and producers,” Bussiere stated. The NH Gleans program operates six initiatives across the state, partnering with farms like Roots in Reverie to ensure that excess produce reaches those who need it most.
Josh Andrews, the farm manager at Roots in Reverie, emphasizes the quality of the produce, stating it is “110% edible and still just as tasty.” He describes these vegetables as the “funky bunch,” noting that they often fail to meet market standards due to cosmetic issues. “If there’s no market for it, it could either end up just being tilled over in the field or going to a landfill,” Bussiere explained.
Farmers can drop off crops at Gather’s facility, or volunteers often assist in harvesting directly from the farms. After gleaning, the produce is washed and either distributed to shoppers at the pantry or cooked into pre-made meals available for families in need.
The urgency of this program cannot be understated. Anne Hayes, executive director of Gather, reported that the number of families seeking assistance has surged. “We are seeing about an average of 150 families coming into the space every day looking for food. Compared to the summer months, when we averaged only 65 families a day, this is a critical increase,” she said.
The NH Gleans program is not just about food; it represents hope and community resilience. By saving food from landfills and placing it on tables, the initiative delivers a dual benefit—addressing hunger while reducing waste. Bussiere called it a “win-win,” highlighting the importance of collaboration between local farms and nonprofits to combat food insecurity effectively.
As the program continues to expand, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the community. The NH Gleans program exemplifies how agriculture can play a pivotal role in feeding those who are struggling, making it a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
Stay tuned for more updates as this vital program develops further.
