Seed2Need was established to provide local food pantries with a source of fresh produce. The 2008 recession planted the seed for the project, as food pantries reported bare shelves and the unemployment rate soared. Though grocery stores donate produce, it is often the produce that is beginning to go bad, leaving a brief shelf life before it becomes waste.

In the process, gleaning opportunities arose. Local property owners with large orchards were happy to see thousands of pounds of apples, peaches, pears, and plums go to a food pantry, rather than forming a rotting pile of wasp bait in their yard.

Taking care of 2-acres of crops, several hundred fruit trees, and organizing gleaning on behalf of others is time consuming, far beyond the scope of a few individuals. Seed2Need is fueled by volunteers. Many of our volunteers have been participating since the beginning, others for years. The benefit of having a seasoned group of committed volunteers can’t be over-stated. They understand the process from start to finish, how we do things, why we do the things we do, and where to find the things we need in the garden shed.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to donate time rather than money, we can ALWAYS use additional hands. As an added perk, you will meet other wonderful people from the community.

There is a sign-up for our newsletter on the right hand side of this page. We send out announcements about work sessions and gleaning opportunities. We don’t send spam or share our mailing list with other entities or organizations. Alternately, follow the Seed2Need Facebook page for updates about the project.