Introduction

Now in its third year, Glean Manitowoc continues to bring fresh, local food from the Downtown Manitowoc Farmers Market to community members in need. What began as a youth-led 4-H project has evolved into a sustainable partnership between Extension FoodWIse and the nonprofit Grow It Forward, ensuring that unsold produce, dairy, and eggs reach families in need. Extension helped pilot and launch the work, laying the foundation for long-term sustainability through community partnerships.

Local Highlights

In fall 2024, Grow It Forward assumed leadership of Glean Manitowoc, building on the pilot established by Extension during the first two years. Hiring former intern Sophia Meisner in 2025 to manage weekly gleaning, May–October, Sophia coordinated with more than 30 market vendors to collect and distribute vendor donations. Grow It Forward provided refrigerated storage and transportation, allowing the program to accept more perishable food and delivered the gleaning to the Southfield Townhouses food pantry. To support continuity, Extension worked with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin to secure a small grant that helped cover program costs.

Community Impact

Glean Manitowoc started as a 4-H Club project, gained momentum through a West Foundation–funded internship with Northeast Wisconsin Area Health Education Consortium, and then achieved sustainability through partnership with Feeding America and Grow It Forward. Extension’s leadership in early piloting, partnership development, and grant support helped chart a path toward long-term sustainability.

Collaboration strengthened the local food system and deepened connections between vendors and the community. Nearly every vendor participated, including some who also accept SNAP benefits. The project now serves as a model for other Wisconsin communities, with a similar initiative piloted this year in Sturgeon Bay.

“I donate because I believe there are people in Manitowoc who deserve quality food.”

— Amy Johnson, Market Vendor

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