1994 – 2024
30 Years of Harvesting and Sharing
Fighting Food Insecurity
We feed the hungry by gathering surplus crops and unsold groceries for food distributors across San Diego County. Help us by volunteering, donating or both!
Latest News
Martha Bryson is recognized as the Volunteer of the Quarter!
“Martha Bryson has been named the Volunteer of the Quarter in the latest issue of Aging & Independence, published by the County of San Diego.
This recognition is richly deserved, celebrating her exceptional commitment to the Senior Gleaners of San Diego County and PATH San Diego.
Martha’s dedication is legendary: She is consistently the first to arrive and the last to leave at Senior Gleaner volunteer events, bringing a cheerfully uplifting energy that inspires everyone around her. Her commitment is tangible; she willingly takes on any task, from picking fruit in the field and hauling boxes to organizing tools and even storing supplies at her own home. Furthermore, she effectively represents Senior Gleaners at community outreach events, successfully expanding our mission and recruiting vital new supporters. Congratulations Martha!
Philanthropic Partners
Legacy Grant
Legacy Endowment recently awarded a $2000 grant to the Senior Gleaners of San Diego County! These funds will supplement the previously awarded Parker Foundation grant and will be used to expand our capacity and services in the far northern part of San Diego County. Specifically, this grant will help us recruit more seniors and fruit donors in Bonsall, Fallbrook and Valley Center.
Legacy Endowment is North County’s resource for improving communities and quality of life through giving plans that benefit their donors’ wishes. This grant is being funded by the Elisabeth Wilson fund. We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to Legacy Endowment for helping us continue our mission of rescuing and distributing food to those in need in our northern communities.
Interested in volunteering or donating fruit? Visit our Donate page to learn how to donate your time or excess produce.
Recent Gleaning Numbers
For July 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2025 (Pounds Gleaned Excludes Grocery Gleans)
Congratulations Duane Jensen on being profiled by the UC San Diego Health Stein Institute for Research on Aging!
We congratulate our Senior Gleaner Duane Jensen for being profiled by the UC San Diego Health Stein Institute for Research on Aging. Duane is a true testament that staying active and staying connected through activities such as gleaning, provide numerous benefits to staying vital! Read Danielle Glorioso’s story here.
San Diego Senior Gleaners Achieves Gold
Seal of Transparency! 
We are thrilled to announce that San Diego Senior Gleaners has officially progressed from the Silver Seal to the prestigious Gold Seal of Transparency with Candid! 
This achievement reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability in serving our community. Thank you for your continued support! 
Volunteer
We welcome volunteers 55 years and above. Sign up today by completing our online form.
Donate a Crop
Our crews glean from as few as one or two backyard trees, orchards and farms. If you have crops to donate please contact us. You receive a receipt for tax deductions.
Donate Funds
We rely on grants and donations from our volunteers, their family members and residents. Please support our work with funds, vehicles and more.
Reduce Waste
About 40% of landfill volume is organic material — much of it food waste, producing harmful methane gas. Learn better ways to shop, store food and protect the environment.
Gleaners in Action
What’s a Gleaner? For centuries, gleaners have collected food that would otherwise be wasted. The term originates from landowners leaving portions of their fields or crops for the poor to glean — collect bit by bit.
We Made Quite a Community Impact in 2024
221,143
Pounds Crops Picked
141,471
Pounds Groceries Collected
6028.5
Volunteer Hours Recorded
392
San Diego County Resident Donors
Read What San Diegans are Saying About Us
Residential Fruit Donor
“I rely on the gleaning crew to help me pick my trees. I donate in memory of my wife who planted them many years ago.”
Leonard S.
Senior Volunteer
“Why I like gleaning: It’s useful, fun, outdoors, reduces waste, feeds people. When picking I’m enmeshed in layers of generosity: from those who grow the food; from pickers who give time, work, gas; from distributors; and from many recipients who share the food with family and neighbors.”
Anne G.S.
Monetary Donor
“My daughter is one of your volunteers and she feels strongly about the organization.”
Linda L.
Surplus Food Distributor
“Our clients are delighted to see fresh fruit and more-so when they learn it was donated and picked by neighbors.”
Angela W., Heaven’s Windows
Your Questions Answered
What does the Senior Gleaners organization do?
We provide quality food, otherwise wasted, to those needing it the most while giving meaningful activity to seniors.
How can I contribute to Senior Gleaners?
Volunteer to harvest crops, collect groceries, donate equipment and funds or employ special skills to support our mission.
How do I get started at my first glean?
After you register, a crew leader will contact you and assign you to a glean. They will also provide a brief orientation with helpful tips and information about the property. New grocery volunteers join crews using their own vehicles or a Senior Gleaners van.
Want to give us a try before joining or bringing a friend?
Get a Guest Waiver and give it to the crew leader at the glean. We also require the waiver for ALL minor guests who must be at least five years old.
How are gleans planned?
Our system assigns donors to the crew leader covering their geographic area. We meet or speak with crop owners and discuss logistics before scheduling the glean.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Email info@seniorgleanerssdco.org or call 619.633.9180. We are always happy to assist you.
