Glean Kentucky reports big impact in south central Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Glean Kentucky has a cause to celebrate after a big year in 2023.

Last year was the first full year that Glean Kentucky has been active in south central Kentucky, collecting 84,738 pounds of produce to give to those in need.

Glean’s mission is twofold, which includes collecting food that would otherwise hit the landfill to promote sustainability. They then take all collected fruits and vegetables to places in the community that feed people, such as food pantries.

Glean is based in Lexington, Ky. and statewide has saved 165,518 pounds of produce from the trash and helped to feed hundreds of people through the year with 51% of that total coming from right here in our region.

They’re also promoting their “Plant It Forward” initiative, asking gardeners to overplant so that you can also be involved in the process of feeding those in need. If you’re inclined to tout your green thumb, you can drop off all of your extra tomatoes, cucumbers and other fresh produce at the Community Farmer’s Market on Nashville Road.