Gleaning Zucchini at Davis Ranch

When we drove up into the parking lot at Davis Ranch, we were greeted by Peggy Davis and her assistant, Monica.  We formed a small caravan and made our way through their fields toward the zucchini.

We were able to drive the panel truck close to the rows of zucchini for easy loading. 

Two volunteers out standing in their field. 

After a short lesson from Peggy on the art of picking zucchini, we were handed buckets and let loose in the zucchini field.  Peggy explained that her workers had already picked this field a few days ago, and that the plants were still producing but not at the same rate as the initial harvest.

I hope the three plants in my garden produce half as much as these wonderfully healthy plants.

In a short time, we filled two large bins in our truck and moved on to filling bins for other food distribution organizations in the area.

Peggy said that "many hands make light work," and it did.  We worked through the zucchini field and moved on to yellow squash.  Another lesson in the art of picking, slightly different technique required and off we went. 

Oddity of the day

We filled one and a half bins of yellow squash and four bins of zucchini.

We were a bit dirty and tired, but we came back with a new appreciation for the food we have on our tables, admiration for the Davis family's devotion to serving the community, and a sense of accomplishment in helping to get fresh produce to our Elk Grove neighbors in need.

If you can join us, our next adventure in gleaning will be on Friday, June 15, 2012.  Please contact Deb at 916-685-8453 or Travis at 916-690-8866.

Thank you to Davis Ranch for this incredible opportunity to provide our clients with fresh zucchini.

Davis Ranch, LLC
13211 Jackson Road
Sloughhouse, CA  95683
Just 15 minutes north of Elk Grove.