Farm Gleaning Program

A volunteer team led by WSU Extension staff has been gleaning at River Run Farm for 4 seasons now, beginning in 2020 when SNAP-Ed Coordinator and Food Waste Prevention Specialist Benji Astrachan was also working part-time on the farm’s harvest crew. The connection to food waste prevention and food access projects in his SNAP-Ed work through Extension was obvious, and the farm gleaning program was created to make sure unpicked organic crops could go to those in need. This program has been wildly successful over the last few years, with a rough average of 15,000 lbs. of organic local produce harvested by volunteers for donation each growing season! 

To continue this mutually beneficial relationship built between WSU Extension, the food banks and River Run Farm, it’s important that our volunteer gleaners are prioritizing safety, following instructions and guidance from any farm or Extension staff, and being respectful of the farm that freely gives so much to the community. Extension staff leading the glean events are always happy to answer questions, give demonstrations and field etiquette tips, and do whatever else is needed to make sure all volunteers are working safely and harvesting properly, to preserve and carry forward the trust and cooperation between the farm and the glean program. Finally, all volunteers must fill out the  Farm Gleaning Assumption of Risk form from Washington State University to participate in glean events – this can be done at the first glean event that a new volunteer joins.

1. Glean volunteers can expect to receive an email at the beginning of each week with the day, time and location of that week’s glean, although most gleans occur mid-week in the afternoon at River Run Farm in Sequim. 
2. In the email, Benji (or other Extension staff organizing the glean) will include any notes about special gear needed, what crops are expected for harvest, etc. Gleaners are welcome to take home produce for themselves – there’s always an abundance! 
3. Gleaners are also encouraged to help distribute what we harvest to local food banks, Little Free Pantries, neighbors and elders in need, and anywhere else where people would benefit from increased access to fresh produce. 
4. Once on the mailing list, volunteers can simply show up at the time and place specified for that week – there is no need to RSVP each week, and gleaners aren’t obligated to stay for all of a glean. We appreciate any and all time and energy volunteers can give to help harvest and donate food.