Massachusetts Makes Use of Leftover Crops

Massachusetts has more than 7,000 farms in the state and many of them want something to do with their leftover crops but don't have the time or energy to coordinate such efforts, according to a news release. So Massachusetts launched a state-run network to collect leftover crops (known as gleaning), and put them into the hands of emergency food providers. The state Department of Agricultural Resources serves as an information clearinghouse for volunteers and organizations such as food banks, looking to offer food to those who need it the most. Gleaning programs aren't new, but most are run by nongovernmental organizations or at the local level of government -- like in Salt Lake City. New Jersey, however, gives grants to help nonprofits sustain their gleaning programs.