Lincoln County Gleaners are ramping up for their third season, collecting fresh produce from local farms, markets, and gardens and they need more volunteers. Volunteers are needed not only for harvesting produce, but also to help with distribution, and administrative support.

They are hosting their second annual spring information session on volunteering with Lincoln County Gleaners on Thursday, April 25 from 6-7 p.m. at the CLC-YMCA in Damariscotta.

Gleaning is the act of collecting surplus crops from farm fields and gardens after they have been commercially harvested. In the past two seasons, the Lincoln County Gleaners harvested and distributed almost 10,000 pounds of local produce, and hope to do even more this year.

“We’re so fortunate to have many local farms who have generously invited the Gleaners to come and harvest what’s left of their crops. We gather and then distribute that fresh, local food back out to a variety of groups and organizations in the community,” said Kate Martin, director of Healthy Lincoln County and a member of the Gleaners.

Because 1 in 5 Maine children experience food insecurity and 1 in 7 Maine homes are struggling with food access, gleaning has become a critical task in getting more fresh food to our neighbors and reducing the amount of waste in our food system.

To learn more about the Lincoln County Gleaners, and to deepen your understanding of food insecurity while enjoying a sense of connection, join us for an overview on how gleaning impacts our community and what role volunteers can play.

Visit the Lincoln County Gleaners on Facebook @LCGleanersME and to RSVP, email LCGleanersME@gmail.com