New Hampshire Farms Combat Food Waste, Feed 150 Families Daily

UPDATE: New Hampshire’s Roots in Reverie Farm in Lee is taking urgent action to combat food waste while addressing hunger in the community through the NH Gleans program. This initiative has seen a significant increase in the number of families served, with 150 families now relying on gleaned produce every day, compared to just 65 families last summer.

As harvest season continues, many farms, including Roots in Reverie, often find themselves with surplus crops that are perfectly edible but not suitable for market sale. The farm manager, Josh Andrews, emphasizes the quality of this food, stating, “They’re just, you know, the funky bunch, the misfits.” This sentiment resonates with the mission of Gather, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending food insecurity in the Seacoast area.

Food systems coordinator Allison Bussiere explains that gleaning is a crucial process for diverting food from landfills. “Oftentimes, if there’s no market for it or if it doesn’t meet retail standards, it could end up just being tilled over in the field or going to a landfill,” she states. This urgent need for action has prompted partnerships between local farms and organizations like Gather, ensuring that excess produce reaches those in need.

With six programs operating statewide, NH Gleans collaborates with farms to collect surplus food, which is then distributed to local food pantries. After the produce is harvested, it is delivered to Gather’s facility, where it is washed and either made available for pantry shoppers or cooked into nutritious meals.

Since opening a new facility in October 2023, Gather has doubled its capacity, now serving an average of 150 families daily. Executive Director Anne Hayes asserts, “We are seeing about an average of 150 families coming into the space every day looking for food.” This remarkable surge underscores the growing demand and highlights the pressing issue of food insecurity in the region.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond just providing meals; it fosters a sense of community and collaboration among local farmers and volunteers. Farmers can drop off their surplus crops or have volunteers come to assist in the harvest, ensuring that no food goes to waste.

As the need for food assistance continues to rise, initiatives like NH Gleans and partnerships with farms such as Roots in Reverie play a critical role in feeding hungry families. Bussiere calls the effort a “win-win,” emphasizing the importance of saving food from landfills while helping those who need it most.

What’s next? Community members are encouraged to support local farms and food programs. As the harvest season progresses, the demand for gleaning volunteers is expected to increase. Those interested in making a difference can connect with Gather to learn how to get involved.

This urgent initiative not only combats food waste but also strengthens community ties, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food. The momentum is building, and it’s clear that the collaboration between New Hampshire farms and nonprofits is making a tangible difference in the fight against hunger.