Gleaning

Nanaimo has an abundance of fruit, nuts and vegetables growing in backyards and farmers fields throughout the region. Often gardeners and farmers grow more than they can use or share and the surplus goes to waste. In our current economic climate, hunger and poverty are a serious concern and people line up at local food banks.

The gleaning program was launched in 2003 to help community members access and share surplus produce. Volunteer gleaners pick produce and share some with family, friends and neighbours. A significant amount of produce is donated to local agencies such as the food bank.

To date, the program has harvested more than 72,000 pounds of fruit, vegetable and nuts and 14 community agencies have received food. Thanks to all volunteers who have made this program so successful so far.

This year the Nanaimo Community Gardens Society, Nanaimo Foodshare Society, and City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture are launching a new pilot project to grow food on City land (City Hall and Beban Park) called Gardens for Good. Produce from the these gardens will be distributed to the community through the Gleaning Program.

Volunteer gleaners must be willing to attend one brief orientation and safety session, and join as a member of the Nanaimo Community Gardens Society and Nanaimo Foodshare Society. Once registered, gleaners will be invited on organized picks throughout the season. Call early as spots are limited.

If you have (or anticipate having) more fruits, nuts or vegetables than you can use, please call the Gleaning Program. We will do our best to link you with volunteers willing to pick. Advance notice is needed to allow time to coordinate the picks. Also consider registering your fruit tree in preparation for next year.

Register your tree or produce here

Learn how to preserve fruits and vegetables through the time-honoured method of canning. Qualified experts will teach you the basics of canning and you will take home some samples. Call Nanaimo Foodshare at 250-753– 9393 to register. For more information on the canning workshops visit events listings at: Nanaimo Community Gardens.

The Gleaning Program 2009 is a joint project of:
Nanaimo Foodshare Society
Nanaimo Community Gardens Society

We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province on British Columbia. This program is also made possible through the work of many dedicated volunteers. Thank you!

Please call first to arrange a time to drop your donations off