Prairie Gleaners: Feeding 52 Countries with Alberta Produce

As Canadians with an abundance of food, it is easy to overlook the potential of surplus produce. In today’s episode of  Bring Back the Porch, we’ll explore how Medicine Hat’s own Prairie Gleaners is leading the charge against food waste by turning off-grade vegetables into nourishing meals for communities around the world. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Prairie Gleaners01:59 What is Gleaning and How It Works04:12 Processing Vegetables for Dehydration06:13 Global Shipping and International Partnerships09:57 Shelf Life and Quality Control10:32 Volunteer Involvement and Community Impact12:47 Ed’s Personal Journey and Motivation14:14 Feedback from Beneficiaries and Donation Process15:25 How to Donate and Support Prairie Gleaners16:52 Upcoming Events and Community EngagementHow Prairie Gleaners Is Tackling Food Waste and Supporting CommunitiesPrairie Gleaners is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006, officially starting operations in 2009. Their mission is to collect surplus and off-grade vegetables from local growers and suppliers, which would otherwise go to waste. These vegetables are processed into dehydrated meals, providing essential nutrition to those in need.1. **Collecting Surplus Produce**: Every year, the organization collects vegetables that are still good but not suitable for sale due to visual imperfections. These include items like potatoes with minor nicks or carrots that are misshapen.2. **Processing**: After collection, vegetables are cleaned, diced, and dehydrated. Ed explains that approximately 1,200 kilograms of raw vegetables can be processed in a single day, resulting in hundreds of bags of nutritious meals ready for distribution.3. **Distribution**: The dehydrated meals are then shipped to various NGOs and nonprofit partners across the globe, including locations in Ukraine, Africa, and even Cuba. Prairie Gleaners works with these organizations to ensure that the food reaches those who need it most.Volunteer OpportunitiesPrairie Gleaners relies heavily on volunteers to help with various tasks, from sorting and cleaning vegetables to packing the final products. Ed mentions that they average about 31 volunteers a day, providing a vital workforce that keeps the operation running smoothly. - No Experience Needed: Anyone interested in volunteering can simply show up during their operating hours. It’s a great way to contribute to the cause without prior experience.- Community Engagement: Volunteers often share that the experience is rewarding and enjoyable, helping them feel connected to the community and the mission.The impact of Prairie Gleaners goes beyond just food distribution. By collecting surplus vegetables, they are actively reducing food waste, which helps the environment. Their dehydrated meals provide essential nutrients to communities facing food insecurity. Over the years, Prairie Gleaners has shipped products to over 52 countries, highlighting their commitment to helping those in need around the globe.Prairie Gleaners is doing incredible work by reducing food waste and providing nutritious meals to those in need. Their commitment to community service and sustainability is truly admirable. If you’re looking for a way to give back, consider volunteering or donating to support their mission.Want to learn more about how you can help? Visit their website for more information on volunteering and donations.Resources:Prairie Gleaners Official Website - https://prairiegleaners.comCFIA Food Inspection Agency - https://inspection.canada.caGlobal Emergence Mission Society - https://gemscanada.ca/Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch PodcastSupport the show