LiveWell Garfield County distributes 6,000 pounds of produce
PRESS RELEASE
October 31, 2014
LiveWell Garfield County’s Gleaning Project collected more than 6,000 pounds of produce since July, surpassing all expectations for its first year in operation. Gleaning, the act of gathering crops and providing them to those in need, is one of the many sustainable and healthy efforts promoted by LiveWell Garfield County.
Volunteers distributed the collected produce to five LIFT-UP locations throughout the county and to the Garfield County Senior Nutrition Program. In September, LIFT-UP Carbondale received a LiveWell Garfield County mini grant for a refrigeration unit to allow the location to store the excess produce it has been receiving from the project. LIFT-UP received a 90 percent increase in fruits and vegetables at its five countywide locations, thanks to generous community donations in support of the gleaning project. With produce donations from Eagle Springs Organic through the gleaning project, Garfield County Senior Nutrition Program was able to feed 270 people and prepare 350 meals.
Eagle Springs Organic Owner, Ken Sack, comments, “We feel it’s a worthwhile project. Whenever we have excess inventory we like to donate to the community.”
“LIFT-UP is extremely grateful to all who have donated fresh fruits and vegetables through the LiveWell Garfield County program,” said Kimberly Loving, Executive
Director for LIFT-UP. “It is such a blessing for the people who turn to our food pantries in times of need.”
Next year, LiveWell Garfield County has plans to expand the gleaning project by reaching out to community organizations, groups, and landowners to work together to glean from orchards and gardens. LiveWell is also planning to expand the program to include local schools as recipients of the produce, and develop additional partnerships with grocers and producers in the area.
“This year we planted 10-15 acres, next year we are planting 130 acres,” Sack said. “Hopefully we can donate even more then!”
People are encouraged to continue donating produce to LIFT-UP throughout the coming winter months. One of the ways individuals can help is by purchasing a Bountiful Basket. Purchase baskets online at www.bountifulbaskets.org, or pick them up at sites in Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Rifle and Parachute. To donate a basket, drop it off at any one of the five LIFT-UP locations.
For more information on LiveWell Garfield County, contact Dana Wood at 970-625-5200, ext. 8121. For LIFT-UP, contact Kimberly Loving, Executive Director, at 970-625-4496 or kloving@skybeam.com.
LiveWell Colorado is a nonprofit organization committed to reducing obesity in Colorado by promoting healthy eating and active living. In addition to educating and inspiring people to make healthy choices, LiveWell Colorado focuses on policy, environmental and lifestyle changes that remove barriers and increase access to healthy behaviors. Working in partnership with obesity prevention initiatives across the state, LiveWell Colorado aims to provide every Coloradan with access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity in the places they live, work, learn and play.