Volunteers needed!

Spring has sprung and slowly but surely we are restarting retail grocery gleaning in Bowling Green!  So far, in 2022, we have been able to redirect over 7,000 pounds of produce from landfills to families in need.  Adding the retail grocery gleaning has completely changed the produce donation game in Bowling Green but I can’t do it alone!

We make a difference!

Currently, we’re delivering to Barron River Area Safe Space (BRASS), the Boys and Girls Club, St. Vincent de Paul Holy Spirit food pantry, First Christian Food Pantry, and Salvation Army.  Once we can get back to picking up all of the retail stores each week, we will be donating to other food pantries, too.  Salvation Army uses the produce we deliver in meals to feed the people who rely on them.  The Boys and Girls Club get oranges, bananas, berries, baby carrots, and so much more.  We’re sure to deliver things kids will eat and that will fit in a backpack!  BRASS chooses items out of the van that they can use in prepared meals over the next few days.  They’ve utilized peppers, herbs, onions, avocado, and so much more.  These feeding agencies get this produce at no cost.  This means they have more funds left to support families in need while still feeding healthy, nutrient rich foods.

“I cannot do all the good that the world needs.  But the world needs all the good that I can do.” ~ Jana Stanfield

I can’t do it alone!

Each time we pick up from the retail grocery stores, we collect between 150 and 1,050 pounds!  On Thursdays alone we deliver to 5 different agencies.  This is a lot of work!  I have a few steady volunteers but I need many more.  The potential for produce donation in Bowling Green is huge but it takes people working together to make it grow.  Most volunteer shifts in this program are about an hour (no more than 90 minutes).  I have spots available on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Most of it takes place in the morning between 7:30 am and noon.  Don’t worry if you’re not an early riser, I can still use your help!  If you, or someone you know, can help please reach out to me at jerilyn@gleanky.org.  You’ll have fun and be helping others get access to nutritious food!

“I wondered why somebody didn’t do something. Then I realized, I am somebody.” ~ Author unknown