The Lehigh Valley Food Policy Council (LVFPC) will host a Gleaning Workshop from 1 to 4 p.m., March 3, at the Bethlehem Public Library. In 2016, the Food Recovery and Respect Working Group of the LVFPC created the Gleaning Network, a volunteer effort of farmers, gardeners, small business owners and community members willing to donate and pick up surplus food at local farms. They will host conversations with farmers, volunteers and everyone involved within the food recovery process. There will be light refreshments, WYO lunch.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans waste more than 40 percent of their food every year, or 131 billion pounds of food. At the same time, more than 75,000 residents rely on monthly visits to food banks, according to United Way of the Lehigh Valley. The Gleaning Network saved more than 13,000 pounds of food in 2016 that would have been left uneaten or tilled into the soil.

Admission is free. For questions, RSVP (required) or participate, email Brooke Kohler at [email protected].