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NH Gleans program hopes to address increased need for food assistance

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 18:56 GMT by WMUR
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New Hampshire Gleans Food Assistance: A Community‑Driven Response to Hunger

WMUR’s recent report details how a growing network of volunteers, local farmers, and grocery stores are working together to tackle hunger in New Hampshire. The program, known as Glean, has been quietly building a robust system for redistributing surplus food to food banks and community charities throughout the state. The article, posted by WMUR on October 9, 2024, highlights the program’s achievements, partnerships, and future plans, offering a snapshot of how community‑based initiatives can make a measurable difference.

What is Glean?

Glean was founded in 2012 with the mission of “turning surplus food into hope.” The name reflects an agricultural tradition in which “gleaning” refers to collecting leftover produce from the fields after the main harvest. The nonprofit’s philosophy extends this idea to modern supply chains: when grocery stores, farmers, and restaurants have excess or unsellable food, Glean steps in to collect, sort, and deliver it to those in need.

According to the organization’s own website (glean.nh), Glean operates across 17 communities in the state, with a volunteer‑run logistics hub in Hanover that serves as a central collection point. The hub receives shipments from local farms, independent grocers, and large chains such as Hannaford and Trader Joe’s. Volunteers drive and sort the food, which is then distributed to partner agencies such as the Southeast Food Bank, the North End Community Food Bank, and a network of soup kitchens.

The Glean website notes that in 2023 alone, the program redistributed more than $2.4 million worth of food—enough to feed an estimated 300,000 meals. The organization also reports that over 500 volunteers logged more than 12,000 hours of service that year, making it one of the largest volunteer‑led food‑distribution efforts in New Hampshire.

Local Partnerships and Supply Chains

The WMUR article emphasizes that the success of Glean hinges on strong relationships with local food producers. Farmers such as the Harriman Farm in Concord and the Windsor Cooperative in the Lakes Region routinely donate produce that would otherwise go to waste. In one highlighted story, a local organic farm donated 2,500 pounds of tomatoes and cucumbers that were near the end of their shelf life. Glean’s volunteers collected the shipment on a Saturday morning, and the produce was distributed to the North End Community Food Bank by Wednesday.

The piece also details how large grocery chains have begun to participate more actively. Hannaford, one of the state’s biggest supermarket operators, has installed a dedicated “Glean bin” in several of its stores. When staff notice produce that cannot be sold due to cosmetic imperfections or approaching expiration dates, they place the items in the bin for Glean to retrieve. Trader Joe’s, on the other hand, has partnered with Glean on a pilot program that delivers excess bulk items—such as canned beans and pasta—to the organization’s volunteer drivers at the end of each month.

The article quotes a representative from Hannaford who says, “We’re proud to partner with Glean because it aligns with our commitment to reducing food waste and supporting our local communities.” This sentiment echoes across the state, as more retailers see the dual benefits of sustainability and social responsibility.

Volunteers: The Backbone of the Operation

A central focus of the article is the volunteer workforce. Glean’s volunteer coordinator, Sarah Martinez, explains that the program is “driven by a handful of passionate people who commit to once‑a‑month or even weekly drives.” Volunteers are recruited through community outreach, social media, and partnerships with local colleges. The organization offers training sessions that cover food safety protocols, inventory management, and basic nutrition education.

In the piece, Martinez recounts a recent training session held at the Hanover Community Center where volunteers practiced loading donated items onto the Glean truck and using handheld scanners to track inventory. “We want to make sure every pound of food is accounted for,” she says. “Food safety is our top priority, and our volunteers are the front line.”

The article also highlights the impact that volunteering has on the community. A volunteer named Jonah Lee shares that participating in Glean has helped him build a network of friends and has given him a sense of purpose during the pandemic. “When I first saw the truck parked at my apartment complex with bags of apples and carrots, I knew I had to get involved,” Lee says. “Seeing those families at the food bank and knowing we made a difference feels incredible.”

The Broader Impact: Combating Hunger and Food Waste

Glean’s operations sit at the intersection of two pressing issues: hunger and food waste. According to the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, the United States discards approximately 37 % of all food produced, with grocery stores and restaurants accounting for a significant portion. In New Hampshire, the state’s Food Bank Association estimates that 15 % of households experience food insecurity at some point in their lives.

By diverting surplus food from landfills and onto plates, Glean addresses both problems simultaneously. The article quotes a nutritionist from the Southeast Food Bank who says, “The quality of the food we receive from Glean is typically higher than what we get from other suppliers. This means we can offer more nutritious options to families who rely on our services.”

In addition to feeding people, Glean’s redistributions help local farmers and businesses maintain stronger relationships with their communities. Farmers can reduce the cost of waste disposal, and retailers can enhance their public image by demonstrating commitment to social responsibility.

Future Plans and Expansion

Looking ahead, the WMUR piece outlines Glean’s plans for expansion. The organization is currently seeking to open a new distribution hub in the Portsmouth region and is exploring a partnership with the state’s Department of Agriculture to streamline the donation process. Glean also plans to launch a digital platform that would allow donors to schedule pickups, track deliveries, and receive tax‑deductible receipts.

A Glean spokesperson notes that the program is “open to collaboration with any organization that shares our goal of reducing hunger and waste.” He points to an upcoming town hall in Nashua where community leaders will discuss how to integrate Glean’s services into the city’s existing food‑distribution infrastructure.

Community Stories and Personal Touches

The article is peppered with personal anecdotes that underscore the human element of the program. One story follows Maria Alvarez, a single mother who receives fresh produce from Glean each week. “When I get the bag of greens and the potatoes, I feel like my children are getting the same care that their parents had,” Alvarez says. The article emphasizes how Glean’s distribution is not just about feeding; it’s about restoring dignity and hope for families that otherwise might struggle to get a balanced meal.

Conclusion

New Hampshire’s Glean program exemplifies how community‑driven initiatives can effectively combat food insecurity while tackling the massive issue of food waste. By forging partnerships across the supply chain, mobilizing a dedicated volunteer base, and maintaining a strict focus on safety and quality, Glean has already redistributed millions of dollars’ worth of food to those in need.

As the WMUR report underscores, the program’s continued growth will depend on sustained support from local businesses, volunteer engagement, and policy initiatives that facilitate food donations. For now, Glean stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a state’s residents, farmers, and retailers unite behind a common purpose: turning surplus into sustenance.