In the United States, around 6 billion pounds of produce that is edible, but too "ugly" is thrown away each year! Only 10% of this "ugly" edible thrown away food is recovered. If we saved 15% more of this food and redistributed it, we could feed over 25 million people. 

​1 in 6 Americans struggle with food insecurity. 

2016 ANNUAL REPORT
​During the 2016 season:

• ​We gleaned and distributed over 27,000 pounds and 60 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables
• We added 3 more food pantries in urban Grand Rapids to our weekly distribution schedule
• 6 dedicated volunteers gleaned at least 15 of 20 Saturdays during the summer season

To see more of what we accomplished during
the 2016 gleaning season, download our
2016 Annual Report here. ​

2017 Annual Report

​During the 2017 season:

• We gleaned 19,543 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, bringing 27,826 servings to individuals and organization in our community that are in need.
• 45 farms donated on 32 days over 21 weeks.
• Our impact was made possible by 45 individual volunteers, totaling 1,193 hours of service.

To see more of what we accomplished during
the 2017 gleaning season, download our
2017 Annual Report here.

2018 Annual Report
During the 2018 season:

• We gleaned 21,653 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables from 45 generous farms at the Fulton Street Farmer's Market.
• We were blessed with the assistance of 70 individual volunteers who contributed 1,430 hours of service.
• Donations included 51 varieties of fruits and vegetables.​

To see more of what we accomplished during
the 2018 gleaning season, download our
​2018 Annual Report here.

2015 Annual Report ​
During the 2015 season:  

•  we gleaned 22,002 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables from 40 farms at farmer's markets on 19 Saturdays;  
• we increased our donations of fresh produce by 14% to almost 30,000 servings; and 
• 75+ volunteers logged over 1,800 hours.​


• To see more of what we accomplished during
  the 2015 gleaning season, download our
  2015 Annual Report here. 

To see more of what we accomplished during the 2014 gleaning season, download our 2014 Annual Report here. 

2014 Annual Report

During the 2014 season:

•  we gleaned 17,291 lbs (24,620 servings) of fresh fruits and vegetables from 40 farms at 2 farmer's markets in Grand Rapids, Michigan on 19 Saturdays; and
• we distributed over 35 varieties of fresh produces to 38,000 duplicated recipients.

The Heartside community encompasses one of the central districts in the downtown Grand Rapids area. Stretching east for several blocks along the Grand River from Wealthy St. to Fulton St., Heartside contains a diverse collection of parks, residences, businesses, mixed-use buildings, and commercial and industrial space. Of the 2000+ Heartside neighborhood residents, 44.7%​  are below 150% of the poverty line, 11.7% are unemployed, and 33.6% of households do not own a vehicle. ​The USDA designates this neighborhood as a low-income, low access food desert. 

Where is the Heartside Neighborhood?

“We’re about improving people’s lives and empowering them to realize that they can have a better life,” says Sisson. “We develop relationships to assist people to get jobs. We get to know them and we help them with a lot of other things.”

"Better food for Heartside: gleaning produce, growing access, and improving health" by Marla R. Miller, Rapid Growth Media, June 2017

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​“I love knowing that our crops are going to help improve issues of food access and nutrition in the community."
- Andrew, owner of Earthkeeper Farm, vendor at Fulton Street Farmers Market, & HGI produce donor ​​

Empower Community Members

Many of our board members and volunteers reside in the Heartside neighborhood and other local communities served by the organization. Their direct involvement within all levels of Heartside Gleaning empowers residents to change their circumstances. 

Provide fresh Produce 

We glean unused fresh produce directly from farmers and provide free healthy options for individuals and families in the Heartside neighborhood. Heartside Gleaning's works to directly combat common health conditions (e.g. obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.) and food waste. 

Education/Cooking Classes 

Heartside Gleaning provides education to the general community about healthy lifestyles and food waste. In addition, Heartside Gleaning hosts free healthy cooking and canning classes for  members of the communities served.