It is a known fact that many people are unable to afford healthy fruit and vegetables due to economic hardships as well as other circumstances. For this reason as well as many others we have encouraged gleaning opportunities on our farm for over 25 years.

We are committed to giving back for which we have so abundantly received. One of the primary ways that Middleton Organic Orchards and Specialty Foods give back is through our involvement of gleaning.

Gleaning is going over a field or area that has just been harvested and gathering by hand any usable parts of the crop that remain. There are several Biblical references for gleaning.

Leviticus 19:9-10

When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and alien. I am the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 24: 19-21

When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow.

We are blessed to be able to work with Second Harvest Tri – Cities and Westside Church to help provide fresh fruits and vegetables to those who are unable to afford them or have access to them. Gary and I also support the Fields of Grace and urge you to as well. The number of volunteer gleaners from the local churches and communities continue to amaze us with their time, efforts and enthusiasm for giving. May God bless each and every one of them.

• Thank you local farmers! (Notices)