Foodservice phrase to know: Gleaning

Gleaning
(noun)

A word dating back to biblical times, gleaning refers to the collection of excess produce from farms that is then donated to those in need. Some school districts use gleaning as a way to provide fresh produce in their cafeterias and help their community. Novato Unified School District in Novato, Calif., is currently in talks with a new organization that is interested in taking over managing its longstanding gleaning program after the previous organization managing the program left. Food Service Director, Miguel Villarreal says the new program will continue to allow students to visit local farms to learn and pick produce for use in the community. “Some of the gleaned food will be provided to our [foodservice] program and the rest to many other organizations in our county that provide food outreach to families.” 

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