Gleaning shares summer bounty with local residents

LACONIA — Free produce will available through the end of the summer, at least, through what Belknap County Conservation District calls a pop-up market. BCCD is collaborating with the Congregational Church of Laconia, which sets up a table in Veterans Square.

“It's something that we're right here downtown, where anybody can drive by and see us, everybody's welcome to partake until they're all gone," church member Hollis Thompson said. “We just are glad we can help.”

The BCCD has been participating in the NH Gleans program since 2013. The program aims to curb the issue of hunger due to unequal distribution of food. They do this through a process called gleaning, where leftover crops from farms are recovered to provide access to fresh vegetables for people in need. While it's too soon to tell how much has been donated this year, since 2013 the program has averaged around 18,000 pounds of produce annually. BCCD Executive Director Lisa Morin said she works with Petal Pushers Farm in Laconia, and Timber Hill Farm in Gilford, to source the produce. The program could continue through early fall if there is enough produce available. 

“Because we are gleaning from farms within the county, and we're talking with farmers, it's one way to continue our conversation with them and find out what their needs are, as well as taking food out of the waste stream because the farmers are donating their surplus to us,” Morin said. “What they can't sell, it takes it out of the waste stream.”

Martina Howe owns Timber Hill Farm with her husband Andy. The Howes are the original owners of Beans & Greens Farm. Martina said farmers often over plant certain crops on the chance circumstances out of their control will lead to a poor harvest. But if everything goes well, then they end up with a surplus.

“It can get bothered by too much water, too little water, bugs, whatever. Maybe it doesn't germinate. We always try to cover ourselves by planting enough of every crop so that we won't end up with shortages,” Martina said. “Mother Nature determines that. She's the boss.”

BCCD has collaborated with the Congregational Church for two years, and although the original thought was to provide produce for those who are economically disadvantaged, anyone can come and help themselves to any vegetables. Offerings include tomatoes, squash and beet greens.

Lindsey Packer of Laconia came to pick up some vegetables on Monday for herself and her two children. She said she'd never had beet greens, so being able to try something new was exciting for her. She thinks the vegetables are fresher than what shoppers would get at the store.

“I have a feeling this food is also healthier vegetables than what you'll find at a supermarket,” Packer said. “But also, especially during the summer, it's nice to have a free option to take advantage of.”

Thompson said the church is happy to be part of the program, as it aligns with their community outreach initiatives. The church sponsors the Got Lunch! program, which delivers food weekly to families during the summertime.

“Last year they actually had an abundance of food, they had leftovers, and we had a food giveaway in conjunction with the vegetable giveaway,” she said. “And so, it kind of goes hand in hand.”

BCCD also works with Work Opportunities Unlimited, which aims to produce successful employment outcomes for those with barriers to employment. Clients can help weed and pick vegetables at Petal Pushers, where they have created an additional farm space specifically to provide more vegetables for the program.

“We're providing an avenue for those clients of Work Opportunities Unlimited that broadens their experience,” Morin said.

BCCD, in their effort to reduce food insecurity, also has collaborated with the farmers market in Tilton with Veterans Vouchers. Veterans purchase vegetables and food stuffs with the vouchers at the farmers market, and BCCD reimburses farmers through grant funds they receive.

Anyone who would like to help the BCCD’s initiatives can volunteer their time to help harvest food at farms or deliver food that’s already been gleaned. Farmers can donate to NH Gleans for Belknap County directly by contacting BCCD at 603-527-5880, or donate to a local food pantry.