The work GleanKY does wouldn’t be possible without all the amazing volunteers who take time out of their day to pick up and deliver the food. Last year, our volunteers went on 920 gleaning trips over the span of 364 days. This is definitely a group effort—no one person can do it alone! We want to take time each month to spotlight all the veggie wranglers who make gleaning possible in Kentucky.
Our first spotlight is Heather Kinney of Lexington. Heather has volunteered with us since July 2016. She picks up produce at Lucky’s Market on Wednesdays and takes it to Lighthouse Ministries. She also takes any inedibles she procures to the Seedleaf gardens on Limestone St., where the scraps are transformed to nutritious compost to feed the soil that will grow more vegetables.
Why do you glean?
I believe in the grassroots power to make our food systems more just. Knowing how much produce would unnecessarily go to waste and the need there is in our communities, it’s just a matter of having enough people to redistribute excess food.
What advice would you give to new gleaners?
If you aren’t already aware of the extent of food waste in this country, be prepared to do some heavy lifting. Also, know that this is a direct action that has an immediate effect for those in need.
If you were stuck on a desert island with one fruit/vegetable, what would it be and why?
Sweet potatoes because you can also eat the greens and they are delicious!