The Meridian Township Farmers' Market is more than just a place to shop. It’s also home to the Meridian Market Gleaning Program, which tackles food waste and feeds our community.
How it works:
- Beginning in June, eligible vendors (licensed vendors and produce farmers) donate food at the end of the market on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
- When the market opens for the day, volunteers at the gleaning table display bowls of produce that were purchased from the eligible vendors. For just $5, shoppers can select an item and place it in the donation box.
- Volunteers at the end of the market collect, weigh, organize, and coordinate with the various recipient organizations for pickup on that same day or from a walk-in cooler at the start of the week.
Who are the recipients?
- Cristo Rey Community Center
- Edgewood Village Housing Non-profit
- First Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
- Haslett Community Church Pantry
- Southside Community Kitchen
- St. John Church Food Cupboard
- Williamston Food Bank
An invitation:
If you'd like to learn more about this program or join the efforts, stop by the gleaning table at the outdoor Saturday farmers' market. The booth will be open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. You can also view the volunteer signup at the following link: Gleaning Volunteer Signup Link.
For questions, please contact Sue Ziara at suez1166@gmail.com.
History:
-
In 2022, volunteers and vendors provided 4,790 pounds of produce and baked goods to recipient organizations.
- In 2023, volunteers, vendors, and customers provided 6,945 pounds of produce and baked goods to recipient organizations, with 844 pounds donated by customers.
- In 2024, volunteers, vendors, and customers provided 8,611 pounds of produce and baked goods, with 1,322 pounds donated by customers.
What's next?
2025 should be another productive season that addresses hunger in the community while also reducing food waste. This season, local gardeners are being encouraged to donate excess from their gardens to the gleaning table at the Meridian Township Farmers' Market.
Throughout the month of May, interested gardeners will receive free seed packets provided by the Greater Lansing Food Bank Garden Project and are encouraged to Grow a Row of produce that will be donated to the recipient organizations listed above.
