WABI reports on apple gleaning to aid food pantries
WABI (Channel 5) reported on apple gleaning that is done each fall at Johnston’s Orchards in Ellsworth. The orchard donates its end-of-season apples to food pantries and community meal sites in Washington and Hancock counties, according to the report. Hannah Semler, gleaning coordinator for Healthy Acadia, said the tradition happens every year and was started by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in collaboration with Healthy Acadia. Area high school students, representatives from food pantries, farmers and UMaine Extension Master Gardener volunteers helped gather the fruit, the report states. “We’ve been involved in this for the last two years, and it’s just a beautiful day and [we’re] doing something that we enjoy,” said Doug Gray, a Master Gardener volunteer.