A Glean in the Eye?

Gleaning is the ancient tradition of harvesting surplus crops for redistribution to those in need. This tradition appears to be making a comeback in England (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/19/harvest-for-all-why-ancient-art-of-gleaning-is-making-a-comeback-food-banks-food-waste). UK farmers often have a lot of food waste in their fields of crops. Items are left in their fields because they are not the right size and/or shape to sell to supermarkets. Such 'waste' was formerly simply ploughed in, before planting the next crop. Food poverty is rampant in many parts of the UK. Some low income folk get help from food banks. A proportion of English farmers are consequently allowing volunteers to collect the 'left over' food from their fields. The perfectly edible produce is then taken to food banks and other charitable organisations. Gleaning has the advantage of reducing food waste. It also reminds the gleaners (often city-based folk), about where their food come from. Gleaning seems to be a sensible development, with wide benefits. Perhaps it's only the supermarkets that miss out?