Sun Journal quotes Holland in article on gleaning
The Sun Journal quoted Lynne Holland, a community education assistant with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, in an article about the Androscoggin Gleaners, a network of volunteers working with local farms to collect excess produce and distribute it to regional nonprofits. According to the organization, 15,890 Androscoggin County residents live with food insecurity, and 37 percent of those do not qualify for food assistance programs. The organization’s primary goals are to reduce food waste and increase access to nutritious food — last year, the organization delivered 14,000 pounds of fresh produce to local sites, double the number for its first season, the Sun Journal reported. Holland said the concept of gleaning originated from the Extension program Harvest for Hunger, and the Merrymeeting Gleaners group in Sagadahoc County. “A farmer really wants their food to be eaten. They don’t want to see it become compost, and they certainly don’t want to see it become garbage,” said Holland, who noted gleaning is fun in addition to being helpful. “Once people try it, they usually come back. It’s just getting them out in the field that first time or getting them to a meeting for the first time.” The organization is actively recruiting new volunteers, and even two hours in the field once a month can make a big difference, according to Holland. To volunteer or for more information, call 370.1061 or email androgleaners@gmail.com.