OBJECTIVE

Students will be able to infer what gleaning is based off of historical paintings.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

What is gleaning?

What is a food system?

How do we create a community where everyone has access to nourishing food?

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Gleaning Photos

PROCEDURE

Introduction:

Tell students that they are going to explore two historical paintings that both depict gleaning. Ask students to try to find out what gleaning is based on what they observe in the paintings.
Give students time to look at the paintings in small groups and make a list of what they see. Ask students to come up with a definition of gleaning. Share each groups definition and discuss what about the paintings inspired their definition.

Activity:
Share the definition of gleaning
Gleaning: 1. to gather slowly and laboriously, bit by bit. 2. to gather (grain or the like) after the reapers or regular gatherers.

Explain gleaning is an ancient practice that still continues today. Discuss how gleaning contributes to and strengthens our food system. Where should gleaned food go? Should everyone have access to nourishing food regardless of what they can pay?

Wrap Up/ Assessment:
Make a list of places students think gleaned produce should go to

FOLLOW UP/EXTENSION:

• Take a field trip to a local farm or food pantry
  • if you are following this lesson up with a farm or gleaning field trip, make a name tag for the trip and discuss expectations of how to be safe and respectful on a farm
• Find out about what farmers in your community do with surplus