The gleaners they were people who after the harvest went to pick the spikes that were left in the fields. It was done by the poorest in society and was authorized by the owners of the fields, who gave it up for lost. This is precisely the initiative of a non-profit association. Commissioning with the aim of don't waste food as long as there are people in our society who need it.
This is the project of the gleaners
Espigoladors (tenants) works on three axes. In the first place they look for farmers who do not harvest their crops, either partially or totally. The main reason is usually falling market prices, so it is not worth collecting. Also because hail, frost or some other weather damage has deteriorated the crop. He tells us Mireia Beard, one of those responsible for Spigolators.
“We, in addition to looking for these farmers, we look for people who need these foods. People without work who want to be active, who need to reintegrate themselves into the world of work. Also volunteers who do not want food to be lost "
The more than 50 farmers who work with the association are very satisfied as they see how their work also has a social reward. They take advantage of these fruits and vegetables that otherwise they would remain in the trees or in the field and no one would take advantage of them.
El 90-95% of what is collected is given to soup kitchens, the Food Bank and other social entities. The project gleaners It is focused on fruits and vegetables with some defect but that are perfectly edible. Sometimes it is simply about the size or that the shape does not meet the standards, other times they have small flaws due to the weather.
But the product is still optimal. In this way, fruits and vegetables can be provided to people who could not incorporate these foods into their diet for economic reasons.
El 5-10% remaining they allocate it to their range of products called imperfect and that they market. Are jams, marmalades and sauces. Hand in hand with the chef Ada Parellada, which provides them with advice on the preparation, are marketed to all stores. In addition to buying a quality product, they want a product with a social value. One of the most important sales campaigns are the solidarity baskets, especially in Christmas. For all the people or companies that want to make a solidarity gift.
They are currently employing five people directly and are about to launch a new workshop. This will allow them to increase production and market more imperfect products.
The other area of work of the association is that of raise awareness about food waste that occurs in our society. With the motto 'Food is not thrown away' and make it reach schools, workshops and companies. In this sense, the teamwork that Tenoners they do for business.
In the same way that sports competitions are held, games to consolidate and improve teamwork. This association offers the possibility of working as gleaners in company activities. Thus reinforcing the value of the team through a job that has a social, equality and solidarity value.
These activities are having great acceptance in companies, as they also allow awareness of work, the value of the product and the food.
The association is succeeding. Have made arrive plus 970 thousand food rations to entities. Their managers wish that one day their project no longer makes sense and they have to close. That will mean that people are aware and we can then find imperfect fruit and vegetables within the reach of all.
