Saving Food, Feeding Neighbors: Meet Boise Area Gleaners (BAGs)
Boise is known for a lot of things: potatoes, bike trails, blue turf. But here in the Treasure Valley, we’re also surrounded by a surprising amount of untouched abundance. We’re talking about backyard apple trees loaded with fruit, gardens overflowing with zucchinis, and farms that can’t always harvest every last row of produce. That’s where Boise Area Gleaners (BAGs) comes in.
We’re a grassroots group of volunteers working to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste and get it into the hands (and homes) of people who need it most.
What is Gleaning?
Gleaning is the age-old act of collecting leftover or unharvested food from farms, orchards, and gardens. It’s a practice with deep roots, biblical even. But it's just as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
In today’s world, gleaning is about food justice, community, and sustainability. We pick the pears your neighbor can’t reach, the squash that ripens all at once, and the apples that would otherwise fall to the ground and attract stinging insects. Then we share the bounty with local food pantries, neighbors in need, and volunteers who help make it all happen.
How It Works
The process is simple, and everyone can be part of it:
Growers or Tree Owners Reach Out
Got extra produce in your yard, farm, or garden? Let us know!Volunteers Glean
We organize short, friendly harvest events - no experience necessary. Bring gloves and a smile, and we’ll provide the rest.Food Gets Shared
We donate the gleaned food to local hunger relief organizations, community fridges, and families who could use a little extra.
Everyone wins: less waste, cleaner yards, full bellies.
Who We Serve
We focus on feeding people right here in the Boise area. Our gleaned food supports:
Local food pantries and community fridges
Families experiencing food insecurity
Neighborhood mutual aid efforts
Volunteers who help us harvest
And by rescuing food that would otherwise rot, we’re also helping the planet. Landfilled food = methane emissions. Gleaned food = clean, climate-positive action and a healthier community.
How to Get Involved
There’s a place for everyone at BAGs - no matter your age, skill level, or schedule. Here's how you can help:
Volunteer to glean with us (even once makes a difference!)
Donate fruit, vegetables, or space to grow. We’ll plant it, tend to it, and harvest it for you
Share our mission with a neighbor or friend
Support us with tools, buckets, or garden gloves
Sponsor a glean or provide resources for our donation efforts
Whether you have a fruit tree, free time, or just a big heart: we’d love to have you join us.
💬 Let’s Stay Connected
We’re growing fast, and we want you with us. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram, sign up for volunteer alerts, or reach out directly to learn more.
Boise Area Gleaners
Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient food system right here at home - one glean at a time.
