Gleaning Program

Operated jointly by the Nanaimo Community Gardens Society and Nanaimo Foodshare Society, the Gleaning Program helps reduce food waste and redistribute food in our community by leveraging volunteers to harvest surplus fruit, vegetables and other crops that would otherwise go unpicked.

In addition to fruit trees, the Program has gleaned peas, blueberries, raspberries, corn and so much more! The food is shared three ways between crop owners, volunteers and the community. 

Join Our Community Garden Work Parties! 

Drop in to one of our Garden Work Parties! Volunteers gather year-round to help care for our growing spaces, and there’s always something to do — mulching, digging, composting, weeding, harvesting, watering, and more.

No gardening experience needed — there’s something for every skill level and ability.  All garden sites are accessible by bus. Use BC Transit’s route planner and the addresses below as your destination.

Pine Street Gardens
Behind the Foodshare Centre parking lot
271 Pine Street

Wednesdays | 11 am – 3 pm
Summer Sunday Work Parties (May–Sept) | 11 am – 1 pm

Beban Learning Gardens
Behind the Pickleball Courts at Beban Park
(Nearest address: 2290 Bowen Rd)

Wednesdays | 10 am – 12 pm (year-round)
Saturdays | 10 am – 12 pm
Mondays | 4 pm – 6 pm

Please note: Work parties may be cancelled during heavy rain.

2024 – 25 Highlights

• 82 volunteers participated.
• 12,228 pounds of produce were saved by the program.
• 102 picks for the season