Bury St Edmunds-based charity, Still Good Food, takes to the field to ‘glean’ for pumpkins

A group of volunteers from a Bury St Edmunds charity which combats food waste gave up part of their weekend to pick pumpkins to be re-distributed to those in need.

Nine volunteers from Still Good Food took on the pumpkin picking at Rougham Estate Farms on Saturday and managed to pick 1,320kg of different varieties which can now be distributed to homelessness charities, schools and other organisations.

The concept of salvaging fruit and vegetables from farms which would otherwise go to waste is called gleaning and at Still Good Food is headed up by Roz Scott.

Roz, volunteer coordinator, said: “The volunteers really enjoyed it – it wasn’t easy work because access was tricky, it was muddy and also the pumpkins are heavy. It’s worthwhile and it really is saving something that is there in front of you, which is tangible, that can be eaten and we’re rescuing it.

“It’s a brilliant feeling. It was very enjoyable.”

Roz hopes more farms will get involved in gleaning.

Other produce which has been salvaged in the past include, apples, potatoes, cabbages and red onion.

Roz thanked Simon and Aime from Rougham Estate Farms and all the other farms, as well as Herd Hire van rental based in Ixworth.

If farms are interested in gleaning or if people would like to volunteer they should contact Roz at rozscottstillgoodfood@gmail.com or call on 07768684337.