New stretch target
To allow us to buy flat bed trailers for towing produce, crates and equipment behind the 4x4's and to and from the fields.
Gleaning Network Cornwall - Vehicle Fund
by Holly Whitelaw in Hayle, Cornwall, United Kingdom
We did it
On 23rd December 2021 we successfully raised £8,227 with 152 supporters in 48 days
Gleaning Network Cornwall is in need of 2 suitable 4x4 vehicles to aid us in gleaning ever increasing amounts of veg from local farm fields.
by Holly Whitelaw in Hayle, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Harvesting surplus fresh veggies for food projects across Cornwall
Gleaning Cornwall is a growing network of local coordinators, amazing volunteer harvesters and drivers, who are salvaging tonnes of produce from farms and growers and distributing it to foodbanks, soup kitchens and other charities that feed those most in need. Our local food banks are desperately trying to keep up with demand but are really struggling, especially for fresh produce.
Here in Cornwall, we have lots of food producers, large and small and many wish to see their produce go to use rather than be wasted due to issues often out of their control.
Farmers currently work with incredibly tight margins. Sometimes it is uneconomic to harvest all the vegetables or fruit as they grow at different rates, there may be a glut, the market might change and some are just not up to supermarket standards being wonky, too big or small.
Reducing food miles by sourcing local produce is of obvious benefit and by harvesting veg rather than letting it rot, we are using the energy / carbon put into the food rather than wasting it.
Our current crisis with food security and food poverty all adds to the relevance and importance of out project.
Please help us to keep going through the winter...
Since our start in August the weather has been kind, meaning that we have been able to drive onto the fields directly and load up our vehicles. So far in 3 months we have harvested over 30 tonnes of fresh veg and delivered this to food banks and projects that need it!
However, as the Cornish winter approaches, we find that we have a real need for some suitable, off road vehicles to help us keep going and keep up with the ever growing orders.
This fund will help us buy two second hand 4x4 vehicles that we can use to load up with equipment, tow trailers of veg and transport our produce across the fields and to the wider community.
By helping to buy these vehicles, you will be enabling us to continue harvesting through some of the toughest months to provide fresh, healthy and local food to those most in need in our county.
Thank you so much for your help.