More than 25,000 pounds of food was rescued this year. Vegetables local farmers did not need was harvested by a volunteer force of gleaners who pick the produce, weigh it and deliver it to local schools, senior centers and worthy organizations. Corn, tomatoes, squash, kale, potatoes, carrots — the list is long.

This is a no-budget way to put fresh veggies on the tables of those who need it the most. Anyone is welcome to join the gleaners who put in an hour or two a week from summer to the end of the harvest, which this year is mid-December.

It’s a small step with bountiful results. For more information visit www.islandgrown.org.

Tom Dresser

Oak Bluffs