These items are still fresh and wholesome but not profitable. Even small community gardens are donating excess harvest or planting an extra row for hungry families in their neighborhood. Food banks and food pantries are also teaching recipients to add these new foods to their diets. Gleaning and Food Rescue is a high priority with Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman. Everyone, from a restaurant owner to an elementary school class, can become involved in gleaning.
Some programs operate on a very informal basis while others employ prison work crews.
An adequate and healthy diet is a first step in moving beyond poverty. Peggy Hupcey is the Director of the USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse. The USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse helps to connect donors with groups that help people in need. Since its inception in 1991, From the Wholesaler to the Hungry has facilitated the growth of more than 30 fresh produce distribution programs across the United States. Believing strongly in the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables in one's diet, the organization offers free aid and consultation to food banks and food recovery programs in the development of systematic food distribution programs.