G4G Boston + Boston Area Gleaners

What:  G4G Boston + Boston Area Gleaners

When:  Saturday, September 21, 8 AM – 1:30 PM

Where:  A local farm, within a one hour drive from Boston Area Gleaners’ offices in Waltham

Have you ever been gleaning? Gleaning is harvesting high-quality fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste on local farms. The fresh produce is then distributed to families struggling to access nutritious food.

Harvesting is unpredictable and depends on the weather and crop readiness. More details, such as the crops that we will be gleaning and the specific location of the farm, will be available 3-5 days before Sep 21. Picking apples is the odds-on-favorite given that we will be out in the fields in mid-September. Last September, G4G volunteers harvested 5,600 pounds of Cortland and Macintosh apples from an orchard in Groton for Boston Area Gleaners.

Details known now:

• Expect to spent 2-3 hours in the field.
• The drive out to the farm, and the drive back, will each take roughly one hour.
• No experience is required. Boston Area Gleaners will train volunteers in the field and will provide gloves and tools.
• Shoes: Wear sturdy, closed‐toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. No sandals! The fields will be muddy, rubber boots work well.
• Clothing: Long sleeves and long pants are highly recommended for protecting your skin from plant irritants, the sun, and ticks. Dress in layers, the mornings can be chilly but once the sun comes out it can easily get hot. Clothing that breathes and wicks water is useful. In general, wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. We are out in all kinds of weather. Clothing that is comfortable for bending, lifting and walking is best.
• Hats: Wear a hat to keep you warm and to protect you from the sun.
• Water: Bring plenty of water, this can’t be emphasized enough! Drink a lot of it (especially when it is hot out!).
• Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days it is important to have sun protection.
• Snacks: Bring snacks to eat for the 2-3 hours that you are working in the field.

G4G will begin organizing carpools by Sep 14. Volunteers have the option of either carpooling or getting to the farm themselves.

By Sep 18, we should know the address/location of the farm. G4G will finalize the carpools. We should also know the crop.

Email boston@gayforgood.org if you have questions or if you want to change your registration.