North Okanagan Valley Gleaner's Society...

Canada, East to West is blessed with an abundance of rich soils and crops and we have shared much of this with the rest of the world. Yet we still see much of the world hungry. The Okanagan itself has seen crops grown for over 100 years. It was eyes that saw good food being wasted and unharvested in the fields and orchards that brought forth the vision for the Okanagan Gleaners in Oliver, BC. Combine that vision with the desire of a Coldstream (Lavington) couple, Eileen and Denis Nogue, who, while on mission to Nicaragua, were impacted by the devastating effects of malnutrition on children. After much prayer and with the Lord's leading, they shared their vision of a possible gleaners operation in the North Okanagan with others and after receiving a very positive response, an information meeting was held in June 2007.

This couple felt that their Lavington property could be suitable for a gleaners operation similar to the one in Oliver, and had approached John Martens, Okanagan Gleaners President, in Oliver for advice and support, both of which he gave and in fact attended and addressed the information meeting. As a result of encouragement and the support of all at the meeting it was decided to incorporate as a Society with the express purpose of sourcing, processing and becoming part of the distribution process of food for the hungry. By working together we can all be part of the solution to world hunger. Since incorporation, the elected board has worked diligently to move the work forward. The property which the Nogues were going to donate was not approved by the Agricultural Land Commission. HOwever in the Spring of 2008 a new site was found which already has building and processing equipment (picture in the photo gallery). In June 08 we approached NORD who govern that area with our plan to purchase this site and on their approval it will be forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission for final approval. For those who are unfamiliar with a gleaner operation, here is a brief overview of daily activities. A variety of vegetables are donated by commercial growers. This does not mean they are unedible for a variety of reasons such as being too large or malformed and thus not suitable for sale in stores. Volunteers arrive daily (approximately 3-4 hours in the morning) to help with the cleaning, chopping and preparation for dehydration. Volunteers come from many areas, such as churches, youth groups, seniors and families. The Oliver operation is run totally with volunteer support and has no paid staff. This will also be the policy of the North Okanagan Valley Gleaners. Early in the New Year stock is taken and a soup mix recipe is devised from the stock on hand and soon all is packed up in sealed bags capable of "100 servings", then packed 70 bags to a drum and ready for shipping. Apples are also dehydrated, packed and shipped as a nutritious snack. We are also excited that the Oliver model has been responsible for plants to be established in other locations across Canada. A new plant in Ontario (their first) uses all the latest technology which we hope ourselves to copy. Although there are many hurdles to overcome with the land and the cost to build the plant, we are confident that God will faithfully provide for our needs, We are looking at a budget of $350-$400,000.00 to become operational providing the land use within the Agricultural Land Reserve is approved.

Perhaps God is calling you to come alongside and help? Memberships are also available at a cost of $10.00 for a lifetime membership. As the North Okanagan Valley Gleaners Society is Christian based, there are two tiers of membership. Voting members shall agree with the statement of faith as outlined in the constitution and bylaws and support the goals of the Society. Non-voting members should show interest and endorse the work of the Society. The Policy Guidelines Manual is presented as part of the membership package, which is available from directors or can be downloaded from our website. You can also reach us by mail at our society address (and future plant site):

9728 Springfield Road Coldstream, B.C. V1B 3E5