About
Gleaning is the practice of harvesting excess produce from farms, yards and gardens. It is a part of a home-grown solution to reducing food waste, increasing access to fresh and nutritious produce to our community members in need, and strengthening local community food systems. If you see an overflowing garden or tree going to waste, contact the owner to see if they would appreciate gleaning assistance.
WSU Kitsap County Extension and Kitsap Harvest coordinate the Kitsap County Glean Team, a group of volunteers that will come out and harvest produce throughout the county for donations to local food access organizations. This makes a great service project for community groups and families looking for volunteer opportunities.
Check out the programs below to learn more about what Kitsap Harvest is doing in the community and how we are increasing food access for our neighbors in need.
Ready to become a volunteer? Check out our program opportunities page to learn more and sign up!
Are you a food access organization interested in receiving food from Kitsap Harvest? Contact the Program Coordinator for more information!
Programs
Gleaning
Kitsap Harvest’s main program is gleaning. Our Glean Teams harvests from both farms and backyard gardens and fruit trees. We then share the harvest with local food banks, shelters, soup kitchens and senior centers in need. Volunteers are also able to take a portion of the bounty home as a thank you for all their hard work!
Grow-A-Row
Register your garden by signing up as a volunteer to be added to the team. As part of your garden, you plant extra. We often have free veggie starts and additional resources to help you with your success. Once your garden starts growing, we will arrange a porch pick-up or convenient neighborhood drop locations. You and many others will contribute to the bounty of the county, increasing valuable variety and nutritional abundance. Some favorites are rhubarb, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, tomatoes, lettuce, chard, beets and even the greens! Please help us fill this year’s harvest basket! Happy growing.
Donation Stations
Kitsap Harvest provides donations stations at some of the area farmers markets, including the Bremerton Community Farmers Market on Thursdays and Port Orchard Farmers Market on Saturdays.
We rely on volunteers to help collect donations from farmers at the end of the market and transport to local food organizations and housing centers in need.
Community Garden Sites
Kitsap Harvest strives to build capacity in food access for organizations and programs related to low-income housing and food sites. We do this by providing technical assistance and education around building garden sites and growing food.
Team Building
Kitsap Harvest works with local organizations and businesses to provide opportunities to get outside and do team building activities, all centered around outdoor food and education.
Thank you to our 2021 Sponsors!
Harvester Level
Kaiser Permanente
First Federal Community Foundation
Gardener Level
F.R.O.G. Soap
