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
50 Senior Gleaners Enjoyed Our 2024 Successes at the Volunteer Appreciation Potluck
A Feast of Gratitude: Highlights from Our Volunteer Appreciation Potluck
On a sunny afternoon just a few weeks ago, the Senior Gleaners family gathered for a heartfelt celebration of what makes this community so special—you.
Over 50 volunteers came together, arms full of homemade dishes, garden treasures, and good energy. The tables overflowed with casseroles, salads, baked treats, and fresh fruit from someone’s backyard. No one left hungry. In fact, no one left without something in their hands—we made sure every single person went home with a door prize, a small thank-you for the big work you do.
Our special guest speaker, Erika Sosa from the County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, inspired us with stories and resources that reminded us just how impactful our volunteer work is—not only to those we serve, but to each other.
This year, we added a new and well-loved feature: “Bring Some ~ Take Some” — a mini swap meet for gardening supplies! Volunteers brought plants, pots, gloves, seeds, and tools, and everyone left with something useful (and a few new plant friends). It was such a hit, we’re planning to do it again.
We also collected extra gleaning equipment to share with volunteers in need. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Senior Gleaners over the years—you’ve helped extend our reach and made it easier for more hands to do our good work!
It was more than a potluck. It was a reminder of why we do what we do. Connection, purpose, and food—shared with love.
Let’s keep growing together.
Welcome Faris Al Abed as Board Secretary
Faris Al Abed is a product leader at On The Go, a nonprofit tackling the transportation gap for seniors and people with disabilities by making rides more accessible and affordable. Driven by a deep belief in the power of innovation, Faris has dedicated his career to bridging technology and healthcare to improve outcomes for underserved populations—particularly aging adults. A hands-on gardener in his spare time, he recently planted four fruit trees in his backyard and is growing what he hopes will become a thriving home orchard. Faris shares, “Joining Senior Gleaners lets me give back in a way that aligns with my values—community, impact, and dignity for all.”
Cheri Gabler, RSVP Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to Cheri Gabler for being honored by RSVP as a Volunteer of the Month!
Click through Board President Pradip Mistry’s Impact Slides
Thank you to the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego for its grant to the Senior Gleaners of $12,000 to help us pay for the operations and maintenance of our vans.
Jimbo’s Honors Senior Gleaners with Wooden Nickel Program
Thank you for your participation in Jimbo’s It’s in the Bag! Wooden Nickel Program – Because of your support and participation, Senior Gleaners received a donation from Jimbo’s for $953.70! All of you who reused your shopping bags and placed your wooden nickels into the Senior Gleaners box contributed to this generous donation!
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.
