On Saturday, October. 22nd, the Northborough Small Animal Club and the Northborough Horse and Hound Club gleaned OVER ONE TON of apples at Tougas Farm in Shrewsbury!
Gleaning is the process of going over a field that has just been harvested and gathering by hand, any usable part of the crop that remains. Numerous 4-H clubs across the state will be doing gleaning projects this month as an extension of the annual Food Drive. Last year’s food drive provided over 18 tons of food to 122 shelters and pantries in Massachusetts.
Congressman Jim McGovern, Commissioner of Agriculture Scott Soares, and Connie Rizoli, Director of Public Policy for Project Bread joined the 4-H clubs for this gleaning project. It was a wonderful day for 4-H and the Massachusetts 4-H Foundation would like to recognize and thank the 4-H members, parents and volunteers for their generous work this past Saturday morning.
Commissioner Scott Soares praised the 50 volunteers for their support and recognized Congressman McGovern for his efforts to fight hunger throughout the state. During the general remarks, Congressman McGovern said, “There are lots of problems we can’t solve but hunger isn’t one of them.” Connie Rizoli also spoke about Project Bread’s “interest not only in food for people, but nutritional food.”
The generosity of the Tougas Family made this gleaning project possible! They also supplied some very welcome hot cider and delicious cider donuts to everyone following apple picking on this crisp New England fall day.
The few hours of work will certainly enhance the offerings available at numerous food pantries in the coming weeks. Thank you everyone for your efforts!