Sean C. Morgan
Fair Share Gleaners recently relocated its operations to make more space for a growing membership.
The group is one of two Gleaners groups in Sweet Home. Fair Share was located next door to the Oregon Jamboree office on Long Street. It has moved to 1135 Long St., the former S&J Thrift Store.
Fair Share Gleaners finished moving and distributed food for the first time on Jan. 31.
“We moved because we had a need for more space,” said Lydia Hull, coordinator, and the Gleaners were able to save some money at the new location.
Around Christmas, the group was taking care of more than 130 families, said secretary Zen Silvermoon. “We were increasing (by) eight to 12 households per month, which is a lot,” especially in light of how busy other food box providers have been.
“I think it’s affected smaller cities more than big cities because there’s less income,” Silvermoon said. “Smaller towns get hurt by the economic crisis we’ve experienced more than the larger cities.”
The Gleaners may distribute up to 15,000 pounds of food per month, Silvermoon said. “Normally, it’s a little lower than that.”
But in the summer, it increases, she said, because the farms are producing.
When the Gleaners have a surplus, they donate their extra to other local food banks.
“We are a working membership,” Hull said. Members must contribute eight hours of work for the organization each month, either at the Gleaners site or working in fields.
The Gleaners do have provisions for “adoptees,” older people who are unable to get around or single parents with children, people who may not be able to contribute time to the group.
Member incomes must be equal to or less than 200 percent of the poverty level, a monthly income of $1,815 for a single person, $2,452 for two-member families or $3,725 for a family of four.
“We have a wonderful group of people who pitch in when they see a need,” Hull said. The program is not a handout. People work for the food.
The Gleaners operate through cash and food donations, cash paid by members, grants and gleaning fields. Among its supporters is the Siletz Tribe, which recently donated $5,000 to the program. The Gleaners gave the cash directly to Linn-Benton Food Share, which provides food to the Gleaners and other organizations in Sweet Home.
“We are sincerely grateful to the Siletz Tribe,” Silvermoon said.
“And for the help the Sweet Home community gives us, and we appreciate their concern for our membership, their good will and understanding,” Hull said.
The Gleaners will host an open house on Feb. 26, providing an opportunity for community members to visit and find out what the program is all about, she said.
The open house will feature baked foods made by members along with hot dogs, chips and drinks provided by local merchants.
A number of donated items, artwork and jewelry, and two quilts made by a member will be raffled and given as door prizes.
The Gleaners will hold a ribbon cutting during the open house.
For more information about Fair Share Gleaners, contact Silvermoon at (541) 818-0111 or drop the new store, 1135 Long St.