#gleaning

[wanderestless]

today we went to a blueberry field that's been abandoned for at least a decade to pick berries and cut away the baby trees sprouting everywhere. the blueberry bushes were taller than our heads and apparently there's at least 50 acres of abandoned fields that are currently impassable because of the overgrowth. there was a sign telling passers-by not to pick the berries because 'that is theft', as though the owners aren't going to leave an entire industrial-sized harvest rotting on the ground.

we've cleared a tiny walkable area to access the closest bushes, picked berries for five hours, and barely made a dent. it was a beautiful experience, and we'll be feeding our friends for months with a millionth of what's growing out there.

[oblivionscribe]

So, SNAP/Food Stamps benefits only have enough funding for the next two weeks. After that, there’s essentially nothing to help that gap. Food pantries are stretched thin but I, as an old poor, do recommend to dial 311 for local agencies that can help you get vouchers or provide groceries and meals. Look for gleaning communities/free markets in your area to score food that was destined to be wasted. Now is the time to look into what community resources and agencies are available to help you.

[polyanthea]

Louis Pons in Varda's Les Glaneurs et la Glaneuse (2000)

[willlville]

[basicallyanotherwitchesthing]

Anonymous as Katoumbah Pasha - Memoirs of a Russian Princess - Grove Press - 1967

[eatfreeordie]

I can't say that I really understand why there would be sealed apple cider leftover from the farmer's market that they wouldn't just take to sell next week but... I'm not complaining

[slow-apocalypse-zone]

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjyvPhan/

Figured that people on here would appreciate this info as well!!

[solarpunkmagazine]

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/19/harvest-for-all-why-ancient-art-of-gleaning-is-making-a-comeback-food-banks-food-waste

Why the ancient art of gleaning is making a comeback across England

Volunteers are picking leftover produce on farms to reduce waste and help food banks

Published February 19, 2022.

Excerpt:

“They are resurrecting the ancient practice of gleaning – harvesting surplus crops to redistribute to those in need. It was common from biblical times up until the 18th century, when landowners began closing off land and restricting access to fields.

Duncan and the Gleaning Cornwall network are part of a growing number of volunteer groups taking to the fields once more to harvest leftover produce that would otherwise go to waste.

Groups have formed up and down England, including in Kent, Sussex, Southampton, Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter and London, each approaching local farmers to ask about harvesting produce they cannot sell. The gleaners then give it to food banks, community kitchens and food projects, which distribute it as raw produce or cooked meals, soups, pickles and preserves” (Stevenson).