Harvest Day Highlights: A Successful Day of Gleaning and Community Spirit

This past Saturday was a memorable day for the Community Market as we embarked on our Harvest Day adventure in Grand Junction. With a dedicated group of 32 people, including 24 volunteers and 8 staff members, we had a fantastic time gathering fresh produce and engaging in the important practice of gleaning.

A Fruitful Journey

Our journey took us to several generous farms where we were able to glean a bountiful harvest of:

• Peaches
• Tomatoes
• Jalapeños
• Anaheim Peppers
• Honeydew
• Cantaloupe

In addition to this incredible assortment of produce, our hosts also provided us with a Gaylord of delicious Honeycrisp apples to bring back, further enriching our collection and supporting our mission to provide fresh, nutritious food to our community.

Partners Who Made It Possible

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful partners who made this Harvest Day a success:

• CORE Transit: For providing transportation and ensuring that everyone could travel comfortably to and from Grand Junction.
• Colorado State University Extension (CSU Extension): For their expertise in agricultural practices and their support in organizing the gleaning activities.
• Up Root: For their involvement in facilitating the gleaning process and helping us maximize the impact of our efforts.

The Importance of Gleaning

Gleaning is the practice of collecting leftover crops from farmers’ fields after they have been commercially harvested. This vital activity helps to reduce food waste and provides nutritious food to those in need. By participating in gleaning, we’re able to:

• Support Local Farmers: Helping them manage surplus produce while giving back to the community.
• Reduce Food Waste: Ensuring that perfectly good food doesn’t go to waste.
• Provide Nutritious Food: Making fresh, healthy produce available to families and individuals in need.

Celebrating Community Spirit

Harvest Day was not only about collecting food but also about coming together as a community to support a shared cause. The enthusiasm and hard work of our volunteers and staff made the day a tremendous success, and we are grateful for their dedication and commitment.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to continuing our gleaning efforts and working with our incredible partners to support the Community Market’s mission. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and make a difference in our community!