Cape Cod Gleans Green: Kale, Chard, and Collards Help Feed Local Families
This past week, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and hit the fields at Cape Cod Organic Farm in Barnstable, not for themselves, but for their neighbors.
Over the course of a few hours, they harvested bundles of kale, chard, and collard greens. All of the produce was donated to local food pantries and community refrigerators across Cape Cod. This effort is part of a growing initiative to reduce food waste and increase access to fresh, local produce on the Cape.
What Is Gleaning?
Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farms after the main harvest. It’s a time-honored tradition and an increasingly important way to:
- Prevent food waste
- Support local food access
- Strengthen community ties
These greens may have otherwise gone uneaten. Now, they’re feeding local families.
A Collaborative Effort
This gleaning event was organized by Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Nutrition and Food Access Program, in partnership with Cape Cod Organic Farm and local volunteers. The Extension team works year-round to support healthy communities through:
- Nutrition education
- Food safety and preparation tips
- Community garden and farm support
- Food donation and food access partnerships
This hands-on work brings Extension’s mission to life. It connects Cape Codders with healthy food and reduces waste, one harvest at a time.
In the News
The Cape Cod Times captured the day in photos and shared a great visual recap.
📰 View the photo gallery and story here
Harwich Highlights the Harvest
The Harwich Health Department also participated in the gleaning and shared photos and recipes for how residents can use these leafy greens at home. The fresh produce made its way to the People’s Fridge, located at the Harwich Community Center, where it’s available for anyone in need.
You can view their full post on Facebook.
Thank You, Volunteers!
These efforts wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and sweat (literally, it was hot!) to make this happen. Their work ensured that hundreds of servings of nutritious greens didn’t go to waste. They went to the people who needed them most.
Try These Recipes with Kale, Chard, and Collards
Not sure what to do with all those leafy greens? Our Nutrition and Food Access team has you covered with simple, healthy recipes featuring the very greens harvested during this gleaning event.
These recipes are designed with pantry staples in mind and are perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking solo, these dishes are packed with flavor and nutrients.
Check out the recipes here:
Movie Time! Check out these super quick and easy recipe videos:
Cooking Kale 3 Ways — One green, three easy methods
Kids in the Kitchen: Leafy Greens — A fun video for kids and families to explore healthy cooking
What’s Next?
More gleaning opportunities may be coming in the next few weeks. If you’re interested in joining us in the fields or want to be notified when help is needed, contact:
📧 Andrea Scarpellini
📞 (508) 375-6944
✉️ [email protected]
Why It Matters on Cape Cod
Food insecurity and food waste are real challenges right here in our region. Programs like this help:
- Get fresh food into local homes
- Support healthy eating for all ages
- Reduce the environmental impact of food waste
- Build strong connections between farms and the community
When local food stays local, we all win.
Learn More
Explore more about Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s food access and nutrition work at:
🌐 capecod.gov/extension
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