Rolling Harvest Food Rescue’s mission is simple: to connect donated fresh, locally grown and nutritious produce from farmers in Bucks and Hunterdon Counties with neighbors in need. We work efficiently and effectively to get the food to where it’s needed the most. We glean in the fields and help with the harvest. And we educate with food demos, tastings, nutrition information and recipe handouts at our free farmers markets located in many of our social service sites to encourage the recipients-many of them families, children and senior citizens-to incorporate this healthy gift into their daily diets.

Since its beginnings in 2009 with less than a handful of volunteers and a few farms, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue has delivered more than128,000 pounds of fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables and other healthy food to local hunger-relief sites that help many thousands of families each month. Rolling Harvest has now grown to include 18 partner farms and markets and more than 20 distribution sites, including food pantries, soup kitchens, domestic violence and homeless shelters and low-income senior housing. To ensure freshness, the produce is usually delivered directly from farm to families within just a few hours.

There are many local farmers and grocers who sincerely want to share their excess farm  fresh vegetables and fruits with neighbors in need, but lack the time and staff it would take to ensure effective distribution. And that’s where Rolling Harvest steps in. Instead of the food going to waste, or staying in the fields, we collect from these farms and markets at their convenience and according to their own schedules. Along with the founder and director, Cathy Snyder, more than 30 volunteers contribute their time and talents in carrying out this service during the harvest months from May through December. There is never a charge to the sites for our deliveries or a pick-up fee to the generous farmers and grocers who give. More than 25% of the people we help are children, and more than 12% are low-income, struggling seniors. With Rolling Harvest, they now have access to quality, locally grown, fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.

The face of hunger in our area is changing. One in six households is considered foodinsecure; 14% of our neighbors struggle to put a nutritious meal on the table. Many are underemployed, recently laid off, disabled or struggling with home foreclosures or even homelessness. Rolling Harvest Food Rescue is committed to helping our partner sites provide better and healthier food choices for them and their families. A well-nourished child can learn and a nurished employee can earn.

For more information and to donate, please visit www.RollingHarvest.org.