LITTLE ROCK, AR — For the Arkansas Gleaning Project, a program of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, 2016 was a record-breaking year. Working with 21 growers from around the state, the project gleaned 2.1 million pounds of fresh produce to help supplement the nutritional needs of low-income Arkansans who struggle to afford enough food for their families.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the foods most desired by hunger agencies; however, the high cost and limited availability of fresh produce makes it challenging for food banks and pantries to offer these nutritious options.
The Arkansas Gleaning Project — with assistance from Society of Saint Andrew, the Arkansas Department of Correction and Arkansas growers — rescues produce that remains in growers’ fields after harvest and distributes it to member food banks and pantries. The gleaning project also partners with Little Rock Parks and Recreation to establish hunger gardens in unused park land around the city and works with other organizations to introduce community gardens in underserved locales around the state.
“Gleaned produce alone will not yet meet the demand our Feeding America food bank members have for fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Michelle Shope, Alliance food sourcing and logistics director, “but with continued support from donors and partners, we hope one day it will.”
The Arkansas Gleaning Project serves as a model for many other agricultural states looking for ways to reduce food waste and increase access to nutritious food for their people in need. Feeding America, the nation’s largest charitable food distribution network, has endorsed the gleaning concept and hosted representatives of the Arkansas Gleaning Project at their annual Food and Operations National Conference.
Since the project began in 2008, more than 9 million pounds of produce have been gathered at a cost of less than than five cents per pound. Growers, large or small, who are interested in being part of the Arkansas Gleaning Project should contact Brandon Chapman, food sourcing and logistics program coordinator, at [email protected].