The page provides answers to common questions that our volunteers and supporters have asked. If you don’t find what you are looking for please go to the CONTACT page. Thank you for your support and involvement.
What is gleaning?
Farmers often have produce they can’t sell and don’t wish to throw away or turn under. Gleaning is the act of gathering that excess nutritious produce that would otherwise go to waste and then donating it to food banks (like Harvesters), pantries or agencies to feed people in need.
What produce do you glean?
We pick apples, pears, beans, kale, tomatoes, berries, squash, corn and more! If it grows in Kansas or Missouri, we probably glean it! All After the Harvest gleanings are headed by trained Field Supervisors. We only have a staff of three, so it’s volunteers, like you, that rescue thousands of pounds of produce to give to hungry families in the area.
How do I find out about gleaning events?
Sign up for e-mail gleaning alerts on the ATH website volunteer page and check out gleaning events listings on the ATH website events page.
How do I sign up to glean?
Go the gleaning events listings on the ATH website events page. If you have questions or just hate to sign up online, contact Sandy at [email protected] or 816-550-5631.
My organization wants to glean as a group. How do we sign up?
Go the gleaning events listings on the ATH website events page.
Only the leader should sign up. We’ll need to know your organization name and description, where you are traveling from to get to the gleaning, and the ages of your volunteers (how many projected 0-6, 7-12, 13-18, 19+ years?). If you’re projecting more volunteers than indicated, sign up anyway and we’ll contact you. We may be able to accommodate a larger number or a different date or time.
Generally, one adult for every 10 children is required, unless participants include many very young children or other special situations.
What is a “produce gleaning”?
If you see a gleaning event listing that says “produce gleaning,” instead of, say, “apple gleaning”, that means we’ll be gleaning, but don’t yet know what will be ready to harvest on which farm. We’ll let you know via e-mail before your gleaning. Signing up for “produce gleanings” gives volunteers (especially groups) a longer time frame to plan.
What information do you need from me pre-gleaning?
Because we may need to contact you the day of the gleaning, when you sign up, give us your cell number if you have one. Make sure each person who’s gleaning completes a Waiver Form (download from sign up page) and brings it to the gleaning.
I don’t see the farm address listed. What’s up?
We’ll e-mail you the farm address and Field Supervisor contact information before your gleaning as well as notice of delay or cancellation.
Why do you cancel gleanings?
We may cancel a gleaning due to wet field conditions, dangerous thunderstorms, or crop failures due to heat, drought, hail, frost or freezing temperatures. We ask every gleaner to check their e-mail on the day of the gleaning to make sure it has not been cancelled.
If it’s raining the night before the gleaning, will the gleaning be cancelled?
Please check your e-mail. Often it may be raining at your house, but not at the farm!
What if we have volunteered to glean and then have to cancel?
We ask that, if possible, you give us at least two days notice so we can find replacements for you or your group.
Why do you sometimes post gleanings with only one or two day’s notice?
Because of the nature of farming, the farmers often don’t give us more than a day or two notice.
Why don’t you glean in the afternoon or evening during the summer months?
It’s too hot for the volunteers and for the produce, too! In the fall and early spring, we have more leeway and can glean later in the day.
Can kids participate in gleanings?
Yes! We love kids to learn where their food comes from and to help others who are in need. There is no minimum age, but children need to be old enough to follow directions, not step on the crops, or wander off. We require close parental supervision for young children.
What’s the best dress for gleaning?
In the summer, wear a hat, sunglasses, closed-toed old shoes and socks (sandals just don’t work in fields). Wear long, lightweight pants and a long-sleeved shirt—you’ll stay cooler if you’re covered. In the fall, it’s best to dress warmly in layers and wear gloves.
What should I bring with me to the gleaning?
Bring water bottles, sunscreen, and some like to bring gardening gloves.
Any other preparations before getting to the gleaning?
If you wish, apply bug spray before you leave home. Most of our farms are organic, so you won’t be able to spray there. Please go to the bathroom and wash your hands before leaving home. Using the field is never allowed, and only a few of the farms have public restrooms, so you’ll have to drive to the closest facility.
Can we take home any of the produce that we pick?
If you are currently using a food pantry, you are welcome to take enough for one meal home with you. Otherwise, any produce not going to pantries should be purchased from the farmer.
Can I deliver the produce I gleaned to a food pantry?
Yes. Volunteers tell us that delivering from the farm to a food bank, pantry or kitchen is one of the best experiences of the day. We try to select a location near your route, but if you can, please be open to areas of most need. When you sign up, tell us you can be a gleaner/driver.
How do I become a Field Supervisor?
Contact us. We’ll provide training in our office and give you all the materials you need. You’ll complete your training with an experienced Field Supervisor in the field, and then you’ll be ready to lead gleanings on your own!
After the Harvest sends occasional email notices about upcoming events and activities, such as opportunities to glean at area farms. To sign up add your name and email list in the box below.
