Starting in 2005, the Grateful Gleaners have picked their way into the heart of Willits.  Each year they seem to pick more fruits and nuts that would otherwise be wasted and distribute them to food closets, senior centers, and others who can use the extra food.  In 2006 they picked over 3 tons, in 2007 they topped 4 tons.

In 2008 they want to start processing at least a portion of what they pick so that it does not go to waste after all that work has been done to make it available.  To that end, they will be using the food dehydrator at the Brookside Farm, which was paid for by the WELL MidWIFE Fund (now the WELL Local Seed Grants).  They would like to do other sorts of food processing as well, such as juicing & canning.  That will require equipment and a commercial kitchen (so that the processed fruit can be legally distributed).  WELL is accepting donations on behalf of the Gleaners.  If you would like to donate, please use the PayPal button labled Willits Grateful Gleaners.

The Gleaners will be starting their operations this year in May.  The voice mail for the Gleaners, 459-5490 x555, will be activated on May 1.  If you want to be a gleaner, participate in fruit drying, or have a home orchard you would like to share, please give them a call.  Keep your eye on the WELL Newsletter, more information will be published as it becomes available.

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The Grateful Gleaners share a moment at Golden Rule Garden