The Gleaning of Lake County
A collaboration between Ten Thousand Gardens
and the Prairie Crossing Learning Farm

DEVELOPING GLEANING TEAMS 

Prairie Crossing Learning Farm and Ten Thousand Gardens are involved in annual gleaning efforts primarily at the Prairie Crossing Farms.  Gleaning is a word that we may not often use but it refers to going into a farmer's field after they have harvested what they desire to take to market leaving behind what is still good healthy produce, but perhaps not good enough to sell at market.  This is where we come in and gather produce that can be donated to area food pantries.

Over the past few years we have had over 45 volunteers giving of their time to glean involving area churches and synagogues, as well as community organizations.  We are always seeking groups from churches, synagogues, mosques, community organizations, youth organizations and businesses who will give of their time to glean produce during the growing season during the months of June – October for the purpose of donating fruits and vegetables to local food pantries for aiding those in need.

Particulars:

 - Gleaning will be regularly scheduled for a day to be decided upon every year (in past it has been on Tuesdays and/or Friday mornings) from 9:30 am to around 12 noon beginning at the end of June and extending until late October or early November – about 20 – 21 weeks.

 - Teams can sign up for as many days as they wish.

 - Teams will gather at around 9:15 am at the Yellow Farmhouse at Prairie Crossing to receive orientation and assignments.  The Yellow Farmhouse is located at 32400 N. Harris Road, Grayslake, IL (enter the drive after passing the farmhouse)

 - Teams should wear clothing and footwear that is appropriate for the weather and field conditions – gleaning will take place shine or rain.

 - Some gleaners will be asked to staff the washing station at around 10:30 am once produce begins to be gathered.

 - At 11:30 am produce will be boxed and bagged for Food Pantry distribution.  Also, gleaners may select a bag of produce to take home with them.

 - Volunteers from local food pantries will arrive around 12 noon to collect the gleaned produce.

AVAILABLE DATES FOR GLEANING - Indicate dates available to participate through info@lovingneighbor.org

Watch this space for available gleaning dates for the 2012 Gleaning season.