GLEANERS URGENTLY NEED SPARE FRUIT TO FEED HUNGRY RESIDENTS

June 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--Volunteers who pick fruit to feed the hungry have an urgent need for sites to glean spare fruit from backyard gardens and farms in order to continue to supply churches and food pantries that distribute the produce.

"Usually at this time of year, we have six or eight donors scheduled where we can pick, but currently we have only one," said Elaine Hiel, the Senior Gleaners volunteer who coordinates picking. "Maybe people who have donated in the past have cut back watering or had less productive crops due to the drought," Hiel said. "We particularly can use oranges and lemons," she added.

Hiel noted that donating saves the homeowner the work of picking and disposing of extra fruit. Donors receive a receipt for tax deduction purposes. To schedule a crew of Gleaners, contact Hiel at 619-463-6356 or e-mail: ehiel@aol.com (put Sr. Gleaner in the subject line).

Since 1992, Senior Gleaners volunteers aged 55 or more have gleaned tons of produce throughout the county. They currently supply more than a dozen local agencies at no cost. Besides gleaning produce, the group daily collects damaged or outdated products donated by grocers and food services.

According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, nearly 500,000 county residents do not have access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. "Our recipient organizations particularly appreciate our donations of fresh, local produce, so they can promote good nutrition," Hiel said.

Besides donations of produce and grocery items, the organization needs volunteers to assist with picking and collection as well as handle administrative tasks. The Senior Gleaners of San Diego County, based in El Cajon, is a certified non-profit organization affiliated with the San Diego County Office of Aging and Independent Services.