Heartside Gleaning

Heartside Gleaning Initiative was founded to improve the health of low-income and homeless residents in the Heartside neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a community facing high poverty levels and limited access to healthy food. Expanding into the Roosevelt Park neighborhood, the organization works to provide fresh, affordable food and nutrition education to underserved populations. Guided by values of food access, education, community health, and a healthy environment, Heartside Gleaning envisions a thriving, crime-free community where all residents can lead healthy lives regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

Heartside Gleaning provides free fresh produce, beans, and eggs to low-income individuals and families through weekly Fresh Food Fairs to improve access to healthy food. In addition to food distribution, the organization offers education on healthy lifestyles, food waste, and hosts free cooking and canning classes for community members.