Food waste is a serious issue, both in the United States and the rest of the world. Up to 40 percent of the food supply in the United States is wasted, which is about 20 pounds of food per person per month. Last weekend, organizers from several Northern California organizations held the Northern California Community Jam conference where participants discussed and learned about the food recovery and gleaning movements, which have the potential to eliminate some of the immense food waste in this country.
“Home-grown and locally produced, farm-fresh produce is key to the gleaning movement, in which volunteers source unsold produce from farmers markets and grocery stores, harvest farm seconds that are not economical for the farmer to harvest for market, and help residents glean home gardens and fruit trees in order to supply those in need in our community with fresh, local, and healthy food,” explained Julia Van Soelen Kim, one of the events organizers. While gleaning refers specifically to harvesting things that come out of the ground, the conference also dealt with the broader food recovery movement, where participants find surpluses in our food supply system and divert that to those in need.
The Community Jam, which is held annually, took place in Sonoma County, and participants shared practices and visions for recovering fresh produce for those who need it.
“Food recovery, food waste and food rescue are all hot topics today,” pointed out Craig Diserens, founder of the Northern California Community Jam, “and gleaning leaders have a 'secret sauce' of attributes to carry the needed work forward.” Fresh produce growers can also play a part in the broader goal of eliminating food waste through this kind of work.
“Fresh produce growers, as well as produce shippers and marketers can take part in the gleaning movement,” noted Van Soelen Kim, “by connecting with their local gleaning organizations that collect surplus edible produce or by donating directly to their local food banks and food pantries to ensure that fresh produce doesn't go to waste and makes it into the hands of those who need it most.”
For more information:
Julia Van Soelen Kim
North Bay Food Systems Advisor
University of California Cooperative Extension
+1 415 473 4204