Gleaning Guidelines for Maine Harvest for Hunger 

Edited by Frank Wertheim and adapted with permission from the Merrymeeting, Androscoggin, and York County gleaners.

Gleaning Teams are as different as the communities they serve. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Harvest for Hunger Program trains Master Gardener Volunteers to become the foundation for gleaning groups in their communities. Some of them will be the team leaders, and others will be the week-to-week volunteers. Everyone has a part to play.

Every gleaning team needs the following players

• Team leader (this will usually be a Master Gardener Volunteer)
• Gleaners

Don’t feel up to field harvesting? Any of the below positions could be for you!

• A person to record the amounts of fruits/vegetables picked
• Gopher – to grab things for others and clean up as the gleaners go through the field
• Transporter of vegetables/fruits to pantries/food sites
• Photographer

What to expect on the gleaning day

Please be on time (a few minutes early is better). The group will gather in the parking area, and the team leader will give instructions for the day. Do not start picking before receiving these instructions, as picking locations will vary from week to week. Always remember, gleaners are a guest of the farmer.

You’ll be told where and what you’ll be picking that day, the size of the vegetable or fruit to pick, and the best technique for picking. You’ll be asked to harvest thoroughly so no food is left behind. Following a brief orientation, your group will depart for the fields. Take your drink, snacks, and anything you might need with you. Don’t be late or you’ll risk being left behind.

Gleaning typically lasts two hours. If you have to leave early, please notify your team leader.  Bathroom facilities may or may not be available. Please be prepared.

What to bring

Bring what you need for the weather and personal comfort, dress for the weather, and for the work.

• Sunscreen (apply as needed, depending on the length of time in the field)
• Insect repellent (apply to prevent tick and mosquito bites)
• Hat
• Dress in layers to be the most comfortable
• Good shoes (that don’t mind getting dirty in the fields)
• Lots of water to drink, snacks

Bring what you need for picking (containers will be provided)

• Work gloves
• Clippers, scissors

Bring a smile and your sense of humor; you are doing good work.

Other business and safe practices

Please follow instructions from the farm or gleaning coordinator. We want to maintain mutually beneficial relationships and be welcomed back! Stay in assigned rows and be careful not to step on plants. Pick what you are asked to pick.  If you have the opportunity to thank the farmer, please do.

You’ll be most comfortable if you are prepared by dressing in layers.  Bring your food/drink with you into the fields and use the bathroom if available before you go to the field. If you have questions or concerns, ask your team leader or other gleaners. Don’t be surprised if the farmer’s pets want to investigate the activities, but please don’t bring any animals of your own with you to a working farm.  Don’t forget to do a thorough tick check by visiting UMaine Extension’s Tick Check page for more information when you get home.

Most importantly, have fun!

Edited by Frank Wertheim and adapted with permission from the Merrymeeting, Androscoggin, and York County gleaners.