This program is a vital component of our goal to provide healthy, nutritious food to families in need in our local region as well as across the state of Virginia.
Much of the agricultural program takes place in Westmoreland and Lancaster Counties. However, we also glean and harvest in King and Queen and King William Counties. The farmers and their families have graciously opened their farms to us, and we work hard to be respectful of their fields.
All volunteers must sign a release form at the beginning of each year, prior to gleaning and harvesting in the fields. Please give your signed release to the field contact on the first day you volunteer.
In the event your group needs to cancel for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible, preferably a minimum of 2 days prior to the gleaning and harvesting event.
In case of severe weather or other emergency, we will cancel gleaning the night before the event is scheduled.
The point of contact the night before and the day of the gleaning and harvesting event will be Scott Flickinger (804) 456-2146 or Tyler Evans (804) 761-3949. We will confirm the group leader with you prior to the event date.
After a short briefing about HHFB and the gleaning and harvesting process, the group will move to the field. Gleaning and harvesting takes place between 9 a.m. to 12 (noon). Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. For those gleaning for the first time please arrive by 8:30 a.m. (Late arrivals are responsible to the volunteer’s group leader – it is important we start early to stay ahead of the heat during the summer months).
What HHFB will provide:
Drinking Water, Sunscreen (if you have sensitive skin, we encourage you to bring your own), Basic First Aid Supplies and Crates.
What volunteers should bring:
Hat (help protect from the sun), Gloves (depending on the crop we may be working with large knives), Snacks if desired.