Grow & Glean for Second Harvest
Thank you for helping us nourish our community!
Our Gleaning Program
Our Gleaning Program was created in 2025 after a generous, local Watsonville farmer dedicated a piece of his land to growing crops for donation to Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County.
This farm alone is responsible for contributing over 30,000 pounds of fresh produce to the Food Bank last year — helping provide food for families throughout Santa Cruz County.
This year, the same farm increased the acreage of crops to be donated by five times, which resulted in the creation of our Gleaning Program.
What is Gleaning and Why it’s Important
Gleaning is the process of harvesting surplus produce from local farms and backyards to help nourish our community members facing food insecurity.
Gleaning has big impacts, such as:
- Reducing food insecurity and nourishing our community by distributing fresh, local produce to families in need, contributing to more equitable food systems
- Reducing environmental impact by keeping organic waste out of our landfills
- Building community by fostering collaboration between farms, families, volunteers, and food distribution centers, such as our Food Bank
- Reducing food waste by diverting organic waste from our landfills, and providing an opportunity to keep perfectly good produce off the ground in your backyard
Gleaning bridges the gap between local agriculture and community members, strengthening our community.
We are actively seeking additional farms and backyards to glean!
For more information, contact:
Anika Hanson, Gleaning Program Coordinator
phone: 831-232-8222
email: [email protected].
The Glean Team: Kevin Lohrey, our Food Sourcing Director and Anika Hanson, our Gleaning Program Coordinator
Farm to Food Bank
Our goal is to expand our reach to many local farms throughout Santa Cruz County, as well as backyard harvests, to build a strong and resilient network between our farmers and our neighbors, closing the food insecurity gap with fresh produce.
Whether your farm is 5 acres or 50 acres, if you have surplus fruits and vegetables, we want to hear from you.
Benefits
- Help nourish the community with your donations
- Reduce food waste and environmental impact
- See Tax Incentives for Produce Donors here
- Our Gleaning Program staff and volunteers will handle all labor, packing, transport, and distribution
For more information, contact:
Anika Hanson, Gleaning Program Coordinator
phone: 831-232-8222
email: [email protected].
Backyard Bounty:
Fruit & Vegetable Donations
Your backyard produce makes a difference!
Our Gleaning Program is seeking residents of Santa Cruz County with a surplus of fruits trees growing on their property.
Have extra fruit or vegetables but not sure if your property requires a full gleaning event?
Wondering if your property could be right for this program?
Reach out to see whether our team of volunteers and/or staff can glean your trees.
Together, we can nourish our neighbors.
Harvesting your own trees? We always accept drop-off donations:
Drop-off hours:
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
No appointment needed
Drop-off location:
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville
For more information, contact:
Anika Hanson, Gleaning Program Coordinator
phone: 831-232-8222
email: [email protected].
Volunteer to Glean with Second Harvest
Help harvest fresh produce donated by farms and private property owners across Santa Cruz County (crops vary by season).
No experience needed—tools and guidance provided.
Shifts average three hours outdoors. Duties may include standing, bending, lifting up to 30 lbs, and walking on uneven ground. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (long sleeves and pants), closed-toe shoes, a hat and sun protection.
Must be 16 or older to participate. Younger volunteers may be accommodated — please contact us for more information.
Current Days & Times*
• Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Thursdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Saturdays9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
*Additional hours may be available
For more information, contact:
Anika Hanson, Gleaning Program Coordinator
phone: 831-232-8222
email: [email protected]
For more information, contact:
Anika Hanson, Gleaning Program Coordinator
phone: 831-232-8222
email: [email protected]
Anika Hanson, Gleaning Program Coordinator
updated 05/13/26/jh