By Skylar Botelho
At Farm Fresh RI, we believe that each glean brings more than just fresh produce to those in need—it builds a community dedicated to addressing hunger through shared effort and experience. One of our committed volunteers, Andrea Epstein, has been with us for three seasons, and her journey reflects the power of community involvement.
“I’ve been volunteering with Hope’s Harvest for three seasons now,” Andrea shared. “And this year, I’m also working as a Farm Fresh farmers market associate. I’ve really grown through both roles, learning about the local and federal programs that increase food access. Working at farmers markets gives me the chance to see some of the same farms and farmers I’ve gleaned from—it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the full cycle of food distribution and access in Rhode Island.”
Like many of our volunteers, Andrea heard about Hope’s Harvest through a community connection. “I was in URI’s Master Gardening program when a fellow student told me about Hope’s Harvest. She was so enthusiastic about it, and after joining, I completely understood why.” What drew her in even more was the flexibility we offer for volunteers. “I work full-time, so I really appreciated how Hope’s Harvest gleaning fits into my schedule. It allows me to volunteer in a meaningful way, even with a busy work week.”
While she started out without much experience working on farms, Andrea’s since grown into a seasoned gleaner. “I had some knowledge of community hunger relief resources, but I’d never had my hands in the dirt until I started gleaning with Hope’s Harvest. The process has been surprisingly easy to get into, and I find it so satisfying on many levels.”
One of her favorite things about gleaning is its tangible impact. “Physically, you accomplish something. You can see the food you pick and know where it’s going—to an agency or program that’s feeding people who need it. It’s real and meaningful.” For Andrea, the combination of physical work, social connection, and quiet reflection that gleaning offers is what keeps her coming back.
“Sometimes, you get to chat with other gleaners, the wonderful Hope’s Harvest staff, or even farmers who join us in the fields. But if I’m not in the mood to talk, I can just focus on the task and enjoy the quiet.” It’s this balance of connection and solitude that makes gleaning so fulfilling.
This season, Andrea has gleaned the most at Urban Edge Farm in Cranston (managed by Southside Community Land Trust). Urban Edge serves as an incubator for aspiring farmers, offering them affordable land, equipment, and access to markets to help them develop farming skills and establish their businesses. Farmers who succeed can transition to independent ownership, while those who opt out can leave with minimal financial risk. While she’s gleaned at many farms, Andrea doesn’t play favorites. “I’m kind of a ‘love the farm you’re with’ kind of gleaner,” she jokes.
For anyone considering gleaning with Hope’s Harvest, her advice is simple: “Be warned, gleaning could be your gateway food equity experience! While you could go to just one glean and have a great time, a lot of us keep coming back (and back and back…) because it’s just that satisfying.”
Beyond gleaning, she’s deepening her understanding of how food and community intersect. “I’m currently taking Therapeutic Horticulture classes and learning about the incredible benefits of horticulture for mental and physical well-being. There’s growing research showing how impactful these programs can be for people, and I’ve seen some of that connection through my time volunteering.”
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just looking to get your hands in the dirt for the first time, there’s a place for you in our gleaning community—and who knows? It might just be the start of something bigger.
Thank you, Andrea, for your passion and dedication throughout the years!
