NASHUA, NH – Hunger remains a significant challenge across the country, with many families facing tough decisions between essentials like food and shelter. United Way of Greater Nashua, in partnership with Hillsborough County Gleaners, held its third annual “Gleaning United – Food Harvesting Day of Caring” at Kimball Fruit Farm in Pepperell, MA, to address this need. By organizing a day of community gleaning, volunteers gathered to help harvest and distribute fresh produce to families and individuals in need.
Gleaning is a practice with deep historical roots, dating back thousands of years. Traditionally, gleaning allowed farmers and landowners to leave a portion of their crops in the field for community members facing food insecurity. This timeless tradition continues today, enabling volunteers to collect remaining or extra produce from farms and deliver it to local food pantries and other organizations, ensuring that nothing is wasted and everyone can benefit from healthy, locally grown food.
This year’s event on October 28 was a resounding success, with 74 volunteers collecting 5,780 pounds of apples and 2,600 pounds of pumpkins. In total, the team harvested and distributed 8,380 pounds of fresh produce to 26 sites in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, reaching food pantries, senior centers, shelters, and community organizations. Participating sites included:
- Beech Brook Senior Housing, Milford
- Boys & Girls Club of Nashua
- Brookline/Hollis Food Pantry
- Bridges Domestic Violence Center
- Coliseum Ave Senior Housing
- Cornucopia Food Pantry, Peterborough
- Corpus Christi Food Pantry
- Food for Children (Manchester)
- Granite Square Senior Housing, Milford
- Harbor Care Health Center
- Hollis Village Senior Housing
- Hillsborough County Meals on Wheels Kitchen, Nashua
- Hudson Food Pantry at St. John Church
- Hudson Senior Center
- Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter
- Nashua Police Athletic League Safe Haven
- Parkhurst Place, Senior Housing Amherst
- Salvation Army Nashua
- Southern NH Rescue Mission
- St. Joseph Hospital Food Pantry
- Streeter Shores Senior Housing
- The Mill Senior Housing, Milford
- Tolles Street Mission
- YMCA of Merrimack
- YMCA of Nashua
This initiative would not have been possible without the support of Hillsborough County Gleaners, who helped organize the event, and David and Amanda Wadleigh, owners of Kimball Fruit Farm, who have generously hosted this event for three consecutive years.
Volunteers from St. Joseph Hospital, NBT Bank, 5 Star North, Sanborn Head, and Opportunity Networks contributed their time and energy, making it a successful day for the community.
“By gleaning, United Way volunteers and partners not only help fight hunger but also promote health by distributing fresh, local produce to those in need across our community,” said Sara Ceaser, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement at United Way of Greater Nashua. “We’re proud to carry on this age-old tradition and provide a tangible benefit to families who may otherwise struggle to access fresh, healthy food.”
For more information on how to get involved in United Way’s hunger relief efforts, visit http://www.volunteergreaternashua.org or contact United Way at info@unitedwaynashua.org or (603)882-4011.
United Way of Greater Nashua is an independent 510(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1929 to serve the residents of Greater Nashua. Its mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way of Greater Nashua has received GuideStar and Charity Navigator’s top ratings for accountability, transparency, and financial management. For more information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please email United Way of Greater Nashua at, info@unitedwaynashua.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaynashua.org.
