Hope's Harvest

Gale came to the farmers market today as a regular customer, but she has also recently been coming to the market as a volunteer. She promotes Hope’s Harvest, a Farm Fresh program that gives people volunteer opportunities to glean surplus produce from local farms to help hunger relief agencies. Gleaning is the practice of collecting leftover crops after a harvest.

She and her son, Jared, requested not to be photographed.

Gale: Last week, volunteering for Hope’s Harvest, we were trying to encourage people to come out and glean. So I was trying to talk about gleaning, promoting it at this market.

I used to work in Olneyville, and all the nonprofits kind of pass around information. I heard about gleaning. I was always attracted to it, and this was a few years ago. My experience with that was really positive. I went out on two gleaning trips, but then my work schedule kind of interfered. But, you know, it was what I thought it would be. So that's good. One of them I went to where you could take your vegetables. Because a lot of it is scheduling. You've got to go when you can actually make it. And the other one, you didn't have the ability to take any. But that's fine, because the produce goes to the farmers market. And also to the soup kitchens and food pantry and stuff. 

I reached out to [Farm Fresh recently], and they came out to the library and gave a little presentation. I signed up then [to help promote Hope’s Harvest].

I used to work at a place that hosted the farmers market every Wednesday afternoon in Sankofa, right on Elmwood. And so it was literally outside my building. So I would just go there. And then I retired from that position. I moved here somewhat recently, within the last year. 

I shopped when I was volunteering. But this is my first time coming here as a pure customer. This market is relaxed. It's nice. The vibe is good. Everybody's friendly. I wanted some tomatoes, so I thought I would come out today.

Jared: This is my first time coming to this market. I think it's pretty nice. A lot of nice food selection. 

Gale: We also go to supermarkets. But I prefer the farmers market. The problem is the selection is not always as full. And then the timing, you know; we have these horrible schedules dictated by work. I'm so glad to finally become a little free from that. The supermarket produce just doesn't taste good.