This month’s volunteer spotlight, Linda LeForce, is part of our team that gleans in Madison County. One thing GleanKY values in our volunteers is the report and trust they develop with the people they serve, and Linda lives out this value. She speaks to the importance of volunteers who are embedded in their community and who are advocates for getting healthy food to the people who need it.
When did you start volunteering with GleanKY?
I started gleaning in the beginning of the Madison County Chapter in the Summer of 2015 shortly after a presentation that GleanKY provided to some interested community members of Berea. Our first gleaning was at the Berea Farmers Market.
Why do you glean?
I live in a low-income housing authority neighborhood where people aren’t allowed to grow food and many don’t know how to cook with fresh food. Dropping off produce like greens, corn and tomatoes helps families to experiment with fresh produce without having to lose limited food funds.
In just a few words, what advice would you give to new gleaners?
I think its important to have volunteers who live at drop-off points, like low-income neighborhoods, do the gleaning or at least distribution. People trust me because I live here, and if they don’t know me, they at least see me around.
Any favorite gleaning moments that stick out?
A favorite moment in gleaning is when berries and spinach were dropped off and volunteers made smoothies with the kids. All of the kids couldn’t believe how good they tasted and that spinach could be like ice cream.
If you were stuck on a desert island with one fruit/vegetable, what would it be and why?
Strawberries, because we know everyone likes them! You can never have enough strawberries.