Leftover produce from your harvest? Columbia Pacific Food Bank wants to collect it

The Columbia Pacific Food Bank is initiating a program that will bring more fruits and veggies to plates of those in the county facing food insecurity.

The gleaning program at the Columbia Pacific Food Bank, overseen by Al Grabhorn, food bank generalist, will operate throughout the harvest season. Produce collected from local farmers will be distributed through Columbia Pacific Food Bank’s network of partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs.

The program’s goal is to reach thousands of those coping with food insecurity and reduce food waste in the community.

“It’s a program where we essentially will rescue surplus produce from local farmers, gardeners and orchardists, food that is appropriate for human consumption, as a way to, basically, put back into the community,” Chrissy Marquardt, food bank marketing and events manager, said.

Marquardt said this surplus produce can be added to the food bank pantry and distributed to those in need.

“This will basically increase accessibility for people to be able to get fresh produce in the community,” she said.

Gleaning is not a new concept, according to Marquardt.

“It’s something that has been happening for years,” she said. “It’s a nationwide thing that happens at several other food banks and pantries.”

Describing the program, Marquardt said that with permission, a group of volunteers would enter properties to glean the produce.

“We need, essentially, more bodies and more hands to help with picking the produce, preparing it for transportation, cleaning it and prepping the produce for distribution,” she said, adding that any produce donated to the food bank is a tax deductible donation.

“We’re seeking partners and we’re seeking volunteers,” Marquardt said. “We are seeking local gardeners, local farmers, large to medium size gardeners and orchardists who may have excess produce.”

The food bank said volunteers 18 and older are encouraged to join the gleaning effort. Training and equipment will be provided.

Grabhorn said in a news release, “We rely on the generosity and dedication of our volunteers to make programs like this possible. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are struggling to put food on the table.”

If you are interested in getting involved in the program, contact Al Grabhorn at al@cpfoodbank.org, or call 503-397-9708.