34
THE GIVING CHALLENGE PRIZES: WASTE REDUCTION CHALLENGE
PROJECT NAME ORGANISATION /GROUP
GLEANING NETWORK FEEDING THE 5000 www.feeding5k.org
Gleaning Network UK harnesses ‘Feeding the 5000’s’ national profile, large network of volunteers and close links with farmers around the country to provide an effective mechanism to divert wasted fruit and vegetables from farms to charities to provide food to the most vulnerable groups in society. The project provides giving opportunities for hundreds of people, who are encouraged to volunteer on regular gleaning days in the countryside.
Innovation Gleaning Network demonstrates innovation in two ways. Gleaning hubs are designed to bring together local communities of volunteers, growers and charities to create a grassroots movement connecting people of all ages back to the countryside in which they live. At the same time, working to catalyse change on a national and international level by engaging the media to secure public interest and support, and through extensive face–to–face consultation with government departments, NGOs and some of the largest food retailers in the world.
Impact • In total 36,744 kg of food was collected by the Gleaning Network. • Approximate net saving of 101,607kg of CO2 eq. (101.6 tonnes of CO2 eq). • 208 volunteers took part in Gleaning days. • 670 new volunteers added to the Gleaning Network UK database.
