Gleaning is an ancient practice where leftover crops are collected from fields that have already been harvested or where harvesting could not take place for some reason. These crops, which would otherwise go to waste, are made available to people who need them, often free of charge. The idea behind gleaning is to reduce food waste and improve food security by ensuring that surplus crops are not lost.
Synonyms for gleaning include scouring, scrapping, or picking up.
In the modern context, gleaning has gained new momentum as a way to bridge the gap between food surpluses and food insecurity. It helps farmers make use of crops that would otherwise go unharvested due to economic reasons, such as the high cost of labor for harvesting or the low market prices for certain products. Additionally, it provides a social benefit by giving food banks, social organizations, and people in poverty access to fresh food.
Gleenie, our innovative digital platform, makes this process easier by connecting farmers with volunteers and organizations interested in collecting these surplus crops. This not only reduces food waste but also creates a positive impact on the community and the environment.