Glean: /ɡlēn/ verb
To gather leftover produce from a harvest. To extract from various sources.
In August 2023 Local Food Matters undertook a fruit gleaning pilot project to explore the potential for the capture and re-distribution of surplus fruit from neighborhood trees in Golden and nearby areas. The program revealed that there is both a substantial quantity of fruit available and an eager market for this local food source. This year we are ramping up operations to recover the fruit and make it available to community members.
Beyond simply harvesting fruit, Glean Golden offers a platform for people to connect and work toward a common goal of minimizing food waste and building local food sovereignty. It's an opportunity to contribute to a sustainable, resilient food system and also to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Harnessing this abundant surplus local food source is immensely beneficial to community members by providing access to seasonal fresh fruit at a time of skyrocketing food costs. Glean Golden will distribute fruit through a variety of community channels:
Volunteer pickers are encouraged to take home a box (or two!)
Distribution through the Golden Food Bank ensures that it is available to our community’s most vulnerable households.
In an exciting new partnership with the local School District, apples will be processed into chips, benefiting families in our community by providing a nutritious school snack.
Damaged fruit/pulp will go to local ranchers for livestock feed.
Apples will be available at the Golden Farmers Market by donation.
Our free fruit picking service also helps tree owners unable to harvest by themselves to safely manage a fruit tree in bear country. It is not uncommon to see bears wandering Golden’s residential streets seeking juicy apples in the fall, thereby an additional benefit to gleaning is the reduction of these attractants from within the Town site, minimizing human-wildlife conflict. It’s a win-win!
Whether you're a seasoned fruit picker, interested in taking some local apples home with you or simply looking for a meaningful way to get involved, Glean Golden provides a fulfilling experience that celebrates both the abundance of Golden’s local foodscape, and the strength of community bonds. We are looking for volunteers to join our picking crews to harvest fruit in the late summer and fall.
