A Multiple Perspective View of a Farmer's Market Gleaning Program on Fruit and Vegetable Access in a Food Desert

The objective of the study was to understand, through multiple perspectives, how gleaning from a local farmer's market can improve access to fruits and vegetables in low income neighborhoods. Gleaning is simply defined as the act of collecting and donating excess foods that would otherwise go to waste. This study employed a mixed method approach including a survey of volunteers, a survey and key informant interviews of farmers, and interviews with neighborhood residents. Qualitative research took place with farmers at a local farmer's market in the Midwest and with residents living in food desert neighborhood who benefited from the gleaned produce. Quantitative data was gathered through online surveys. Participants included the farmers who donated produce, the volunteers who gleaned from farmers and distributed to the community residents, and the community residents who picked up the produce. Farmers, volunteers, and residents all supported the gleaning program as a beneficial way to provide fresh produce to low income residents. The program assisted in the utilization of excess produce that would have otherwise been thrown out, thus cutting down on food waste. Through the initiative of establishing more farmers' markets in the United States, there are opportunities to develop gleaning programs. The efforts of gleaning can reduce food insecurity and food waste in an attempt to eliminate food deserts.