Lincoln County Gleaners - Healthy Lincoln County

Lincoln County Gleaners deepen community roots with volunteerism

Rescuing over 7,400 pounds of food so far this season, the Lincoln County Gleaners are celebrating community and volunteerism during this year’s Maine Gleaning Week, which is observed October 9-16.

Gleaners - volunteers committed to serving their communities - harvest surplus crops from farmers' fields and distribute it through community sharing tables and other venues. Across Maine, gleaning organizations large and small partner with local farms to collect these crops and distribute them to food pantries, backpack programs, housing authorities, health clinics, and other organizations.

Locally, the Lincoln County Gleaners are in their third year and have had the honor of working with generous farmers this season, including Brown's Farm in Nobleboro, Veggies to Table in Newcastle, and Goranson Farm in Dresden. In addition, several home growers have donated produce from their gardens to share.

Gleaning not only increases access to fresh local food, but it also builds community and breaks down the barriers that are often a result of food insecurity.

Sally Ingraham of Healthy Lincoln County coordinates the Lincoln County Gleaners volunteers. Dozens of volunteers in Lincoln County, along with hundreds across Maine generously give their time to ensure that their neighbors have access to healthy local food. "Without their commitment, this food might be tilled under or thrown in a landfill, and never consumed as it was intended to be. We couldn’t fulfill our mission without our amazing volunteers," Ingraham said.

The Lincoln County Gleaners are always seeking new volunteers to help harvest, transport, and distribute food. Individuals and groups are encouraged to explore gleaning as either a one-time volunteering opportunity, or perhaps a long-term group activity to give back. No experience is necessary, and all ages and abilities are welcome.

To learn more, follow the Lincoln County Gleaners on social media at www.facebook.com/lcgleanersme or contact Sally Ingraham at lcgleanersme@gmail.com or 563-1330.