Frequently Asked Questions


Where does the Gleaning Project Harvest?

We primarily harvest from farms in the Puyallup/Orting valley and pick fruit trees in Tacoma, Parkland, Summit/Waller, Steilacoom, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, and the Puyallup/Sumner/Bonney Lake Area. 


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Where does the food go?

 For farms harvests, volunteers can take serving of produce home if the farmer allows it - the rest is donated to area food banks near the harvest site. At least 50% of the food from fruit tree harvests is donated, with the other 50% divided between the volunteer harvesters and the homeowner (25% for each). 

When do you harvest?

Our harvest season generally runs from June -September, however, we have sporadic harvests throughout the winter and spring as well! Our harvest days and times are largely based on the availability of our wonderful volunteer harvest coordinators and farmer/homeowner schedules. Even if we don't have a harvest that fits your schedule one week, check back again in another week or two and we might have something that works for you! We do try to keep our harvests the same day and time every week for each geographic fruit tree area. 

Can I bring my kids?

Most gleaning events are family friendly unless otherwise stated. We love having kids around and exposing them to the food system. If you are registering for an event and your child is under 18 years old, please only register for yourself. We ask that you only register for ONE volunteer space to make sure we have enough capable hands to complete the harvest. Lastly, when you arrive at the harvest please ask the Harvest Leaders for a Youth Liability Waiver so you may complete one for your child.

Why don't I see the address listed for a harvest?

 The address for a glean will be emailed to you after you are registered. If you are on the waitlist, you will not receive the address unless a spot opens. If you are registered and do not receive an email, please let us know at harvestpiercecounty@piercecd.org

What if I signed up for a harvest I cannot attend?

 Please UNREGISTER yourself by finding the harvest confirmation email, and clicking the "unregister" link. If you have trouble, email harvestpiercecounty@piercecd.org.