Start A Gleaning Project

Bring food recovery to your community!

Thinking about starting a gleaning project in your area? We’ve got you covered. Collecting surplus food often requires four components: a source of produce, basic equipment and technology, a hunger relief agency to distribute the food, and people to do the work! Our guides for these four areas contain questions and tips to help you determine the focus and scope of your project. Gleaning projects can (and should!) look different based on your context and resources, so explore what works for you. Please read our disclaimer before you begin.

Starting in 2025, Food Forward is launching a free Mentorship Program to help 501(c)(3) organizations already working in food recovery to start or expand farmers market recovery programs. Fill out our interest form if you are interested in learning more!

Inspire Others

What’s a gleaning project without a source of food? Learn how to find, incentivize, and evaluate surplus food in your community.

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No matter what size, gleaning projects usually require at least a box or two! Explore the types of equipment and technology that may be helpful for your work.

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Every project needs people to do the work! Read more about the roles that gleaning projects often require and how to build an engaging volunteer experience.

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Build strong partnerships with hunger relief organizations for a nourishing impact! Learn how to effectively collaborate with local agencies to share recovered food and support people experiencing food insecurity.

Inspire Others

Learn how we are fighting food insecurity and saving the environment.