Foodshed Alliance Team Connection Day!

On Monday, September 29, 2025, the Foodshed Alliance team came together at Longmeadow Farm in Blairstown, NJ, for a Team Connection Day that combined hard work, fun, and purpose. It was a beautiful fall morning, full of anticipation as everyone prepared to glean fresh produce together.

Gleaning: the practice of harvesting crops that would otherwise go to waste and making them accessible to communities with limited access, is at the heart of LocalShare, a program of the Foodshed Alliance serving Northwest NJ. Staff, board members, and volunteers, joined by Farmer Brad and his wife, worked side by side to make a real impact. Each basket of apples and corn represented a concrete step toward supporting farmers, reducing food waste, and building healthier communities.

By the end of the day, we had collected 1,115 pounds of apples and corn which is enough to provide 3,902.5 servings of fresh produce for families with limited access. This number is a reminder of why our work matters and how much more we can achieve when we do it together. 

The day also included moments of fun and camaraderie. A scavenger hunt through the orchard had everyone on the lookout for the biggest apple, the smallest apple, the most red, the most perfect, and even the not-so-pretty apple. Everyone was a winner, and the activity underscored how collaboration strengthens both our team and our mission.

We closed the day with a shared meal and reflections on our time together. Beyond the harvest, the true takeaway was clear: our mission isn’t just about the work we do—it’s a passion we carry into our daily lives. Together, we support farmers, increase food access, and protect the environment, proving that community is the foundation for lasting change.

Want to be part of days like this? Join LocalShare as a volunteer and help rescue fresh produce, support local farmers, and provide healthy food to families in your community: View volunteer opportunities.