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McDonald Park
Volume 13 Number 31 | 50¢
July 30, 2014
OPEN FOR BUSINESS 250.376.2411
Building food security from fruit trees to fields
It’s tough seeing people in our city struggling for food security particularly during this time of year when we see an abundance of neglected, nutritious and healthy fruit going unharvested. Rather than seeing it rot or go to waste, a program called the Gleaning Abundance Project (GAP) is making sure that our more vulnerable
residents have a full belly. Gleaning is an ancient practice rooted in the Bible where followers are instructed not to reap fallen fruit but rather leave a portion of the harvest for the poor as an independent act of goodwill. Interior Health’s Community Food Action Initiative (CFAI) is a province-wide strategy and collab-
orative effort that aims to increase community food security. Moving this forward locally is GAP which operates under the Kamloops Food Policy Council. The program is now in its second year thanks to funding from BC Interior Community Foundation, United Way and BC Lottery Corporation. Glenn Hilke is the Kamloops co-
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ordinator for this stewardship initiative. GAP’s urban gleaning puts local, homegrown food to use by reducing waste and contributing to increased local food security by providing for the hungry. “Home owners and farms with too much fruit on their trees or vegetables in their garden should contact us to share their abundance,” Glenn recommends. “The harvest is split three ways between the property owner, the volunteers and the Food Bank and other local outreach agencies.” He continues, “If you are struggling with or wondering what to do with the produce we can help. Our pickers not only harvest, they also clean up the mushy mess at the foot of your fruit trees.” Glenn says approximately 100 volunteers currently assist GAP and adds that another 100 would be ideal. He hopes to have 200 houses registered by the end of the season. “We are picking seven days a week with three or four harvests per day. Our biggest challenge is finding harvest leaders,” he says. “Pick leaders act as on-site managers and are given training on-site.” The program covers all of Kamloops and also includes other areas like Knutsford and Rayleigh. Thanks to volunteers, the program, run by members of the community for the community, set a new record this weekend - continued on page 2
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