What is Gleaning?
Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers’ fields after they have been commercially harvested or on fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest. FoodCloud has run successful gleaning projects since 2017.
FoodCloud works with our gleaning partners to find suitable dates and locations on commercial farms for picking the surplus vegetables, as well as recruiting volunteers and ensuring that all the gleaned food goes to local charities who will use it. The gleaning period usually runs from August - October and is a great activity for large teams and corporate team building days for those who want a break from the office.
If you want to enquire about bringing a group out to glean with FoodCloud, please email [email protected].
If you have farmland with surplus produce and wish to work with FoodCloud on our gleaning projects, please email: [email protected].
The establishment of our gleaning network is supported by The Community Foundation for Ireland.
Gleaning with FoodCloud
FoodCloud has run successful gleaning projects since 2017. Our first successful gleaning pilot was in October 2017 and since then we have partnered with Meade Potato Company and BallyMakenny Farm in Ireland to glean a range of high- quality crops such as potatoes, onions, carrots and broccoli by hand with our volunteers.
We also support the work of Falling Fruit Ireland, who harvest the seasonal glut of apples, pears, plums, nuts and other fruits that would otherwise not be picked and direct it to charities.
Our Gleaning Partners
How to get Involved
FoodCloud works with our gleaning partners to find suitable dates and locations on commercial farms for picking the surplus vegetables, as well as recruiting volunteers and ensuring that all the gleaned food goes to local charities who will use it. The gleaning period usually runs from August - October and is a great activity for large teams and corporate team building days for those who want a break from the office.