Food Forward, a grassroots Los Angeles group that collects fresh local produce that would otherwise go to waste and delivers it to people in need, has joined up with the Torrance Farmers Market to collect unsold produce from local farmers. The food is then donated to local hunger relief agencies such as pantries, churches and rescue missions. The Torrance market now joins nearly a dozen other farmers markets throughout L.A. that deliver produce on a weekly basis to more than 40 agencies serving those in need.
Part of what makes the Food Forward group so successful in reaching so many of the struggling people they help is their Farmers Market Recovery Program. The program could not be simpler: volunteers (called the Glean Team) distribute empty boxes to the farmers and then collect the filled boxes of unsold fresh produce. The volunteers weigh the donations immediately upon collection and distribute to local non-profit agencies located within 10 miles of each market (the agencies pick up on site and pass it on to their clients within 1 – 3 days). The farmers receive a tax deduction for their donation and local non-profits receive fresh free produce for the people they serve.
Part of what makes the Food Forward group so successful in reaching so many of the struggling people they help is their Farmers Market Recovery Program. The program could not be simpler: volunteers (called the Glean Team) distribute empty boxes to the farmers and then collect the filled boxes of unsold fresh produce. The volunteers weigh the donations immediately upon collection and distribute to local non-profit agencies located within 10 miles of each market (the agencies pick up on site and pass it on to their clients within 1 – 3 days). The farmers receive a tax deduction for their donation and local non-profits receive fresh free produce for the people they serve.
I do try to get to the Torrance Farmers Market often and I am really glad to see that this program is working so well. Not only is this great for the market, but it really spreads the word around about Food Forward as well (Torrance is their first foray into the South Bay). Glean Team volunteers work incredibly hard getting great amounts of produce to the needy as quickly as possible while also making it as easy as possible for the markets, farmers and distribution agencies they work with, and they are always in need of volunteers. This link is a great place to visit of you think you might be able to help Food Forward out, and this is the link to details about the Torrance Farmers Market.
After all of the buzz and success Food Forward has had working with the Torrance Farmers Market, I would love to see them partner up with the Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach farmers markets soon.
After all of the buzz and success Food Forward has had working with the Torrance Farmers Market, I would love to see them partner up with the Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach farmers markets soon.
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