City’s Food Gleaning Program Celebrates Saving 100,000 Pounds of Fresh Produce: Join the Movement!

The City of Orlando’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience recently celebrated a significant milestone: they’ve rescued 100,000 pounds of produce from local farms since launching their “food gleaning” initiative in 2020.

Food gleaning is a simple but impactful idea. After harvest, fields often have edible fruits and vegetables left behind. These can be missed, dropped, or deemed too small or imperfect. Volunteers step in to gather this food by hand, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste.

What began as a modest effort has evolved into a vital program that connects fresh, locally grown food with people in Orlando. In partnership with the Society of St. Andrew, EndHunger.org, this initiative has diverted food from being wasted to community centers and urban farms across the city.

Daniel Friedline, the city’s Sustainability Initiative manager, expressed pride in this achievement. He says, “This milestone demonstrates our commitment to reducing food waste and nourishing our community. We’ve brought healthy food directly to neighborhood centers and residents.” This shows how local efforts can lead to meaningful change.

The impact of food gleaning initiatives is significant. According to a study by the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, about 31% of the food supply in the U.S. is wasted. Programs like Orlando’s chart a path toward sustainability and community support.

Community enthusiasm is evident; many volunteers consistently participate in gleaning events, showing the growing trend of local action against food waste on social media. Gardens, urban farms, and food recovery networks are gaining traction as people recognize the importance of sustainable practices in their communities.

Overall, the food gleaning initiative in Orlando not only addresses food waste but also fosters community connections and promotes healthier lifestyles. It’s an inspiring reminder of what can happen when we all get involved.

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