Gleaning Group Donates Produce Worth £1 Million to Food Banks

Gleaning Cornwall, a volunteer-led initiative, has successfully diverted over £1 million of produce from fields to food banks, community larders, and kitchens across the South West of England. The group collects surplus fruits and vegetables from farms that would typically be left unharvested.

Despite this achievement, Gleaning Cornwall is facing challenges due to escalating operational costs and a growing reliance on food aid services. The organization reports a sharp increase in the price of transportation, storage, and coordination, putting its continued operation at risk. "There is less money around and we need to do more with it," stated Holly Whitelaw, the charity's founder. "Our infrastructure urgently needs funding if we are to keep going."

Since its inception in 2020, Gleaning Cornwall has repurposed more than 460 tonnes of produce, feeding an estimated 11,000 individuals weekly with the strict condition that all food provided is free to recipients. The demand for such services is underscored by data from Cornwall's Trussell Trust food banks, which distributed over 35,500 emergency food parcels between April 2024 and March 2025. A separate study by Cornwall Council revealed that 30% of children in the county are experiencing food poverty.

Whitelaw emphasized the broader implications of food waste, noting that it also squanders the energy and resources used in production. She encouraged the public to reduce household food waste, highlighting that utilizing existing resources saves money and benefits the environment.

Gleaning Cornwall relies heavily on volunteers to operate. The organization's efforts help mitigate food waste on farms and provide essential nutritional support to vulnerable populations amidst rising food insecurity. The group is seeking additional funding to sustain its operations and meet the increasing demand for its services.