Written by: Shannon Fissori
One thing that always
frustrates me is when things go to waste. Doesn’t matter whether it’s
time, money or anything else. When there are great needs in our
communities and problems can seem overwhelming, sometimes solutions can be as
simple as utilizing resources already available to us.
Hidden Harvest is an
organization that has modeled itself on this philosophy.
Based in the
Coachella Valley of California, their mission is to tackle the burdens of
poverty and food insecurity that so many people struggle with everyday.
They do this by employing low-income farm workers at higher wages to harvest
produce that would otherwise be left to rot in the fields.
The USDA estimates that 25-30%
of all food crops are left in the fields after harvest due to factors ranging
from overproduction to cosmetic imperfections. Despite this apparent
abundance, more than 40% of the Valley’s children live at or below the federal
poverty line. By employing the working poor to rescue these fruits and
vegetables, Hidden Harvest not only provides free and nutritious food to
vulnerable populations but also gives them economic opportunities to become
more self-reliant. Talk about win-win!
Hidden Harvest also operates
other programs including free produce markets at senior centers and housing
locations. Their goal is to make sure fixed-income seniors don’t have to
choose between paying for the prescription drugs they need and the healthy diet
they want.
Nutrition and cooking classes
are offered as well. Educating the public on these subjects can further
combat rising health problems such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and
obesity.
Learn more about this great organization and get inspired to find your own ways to make sure nothing is left to waste.
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