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Make the Healthy Choice, the Easy Choice by Gleaning!

Posted by CAHNRS.Web Team | January 14, 2019

The Kitsap Public Health District SNAP-Ed team understands the connection between gleaning and SNAP-Ed goals: if we increase the access of fresh produce in our community, we will increase the opportunity, and ease, of making healthier choices. In partnership with AmeriCorp VISTA Gleaning Coordinator and Kitsap County WSU Extension, Kitsap Harvest has developed into a robust and thriving gleaning program:

2018 highlights include:

  • 5,163 pounds of produce gleaned from residential gardens and farmers markets
  • 27 local meal programs or food banks accepted produce from gleaning efforts
  • 75 registered volunteers through WSU Extension online system
  • 2 articles in the newspaper highlighting this programming

Kitsap County WSU Extension has seen success integrating Kitsap Harvest with their direct education programming:

“The partnership with Kitsap Harvest’s gleaning program has exceeded my expectations. When I asked if gleaned food could also be sent to the local women shelter (where I teach nutrition education classes), I had no idea over 600 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables would be at their disposal these past few months. The women, children, and staff at the shelter have been overjoyed to receive such nutrient dense, healthy foods.  A lot of them are eating foods they’ve never tried before, and it has created great dialogue on where this food comes from and how much healthier it is to buy local produce (and how much cheaper it is to potentially grow their own someday).  Having access to this food has also complimented and reinforced our nutrition education efforts and messages of eating healthy.”

  • Julie Evenson, WSU Kitsap County Extension

An infographic of the 2018 highlights for the Kitsap Public Health District SNAP-Ed team.