WHO WE ARE

Our Mission

Transform lives in our community by reducing hunger and waste.

Our Vision

Successfully and continuously facilitate and support the connection between families, businesses, and resources in Clackamas County in an effort to work toward common goals and shared strategies that reduce hunger and prevent food waste. By working together we build relationships and a stronger community within GCCI and throughout Clackamas County.

Our Values

INTEGRITY

Doing the right thing even when no one is looking

RESPECT

We treat everyone with dignity and embrace the diversity of the communities we serve

PARTNERSHIP

The sharing of resources to accomplish a common goal

CONSIDERATION

We listen to one another, show kindness, thoughtfulness, and patience to all

History

In 1978, the Oregon Legislature encouraged commercial growers to participate in gleaning programs by passing a state tax credit for contributions made. This law continues to this day.

That same year, a handful of Clackamas residents formed a group and began picking fields and distributing food along the highway system. In 1981, they became an official organization, what is now Gleaners of Clackamas County, Inc., and occupied a rented facility to manage the abundance of food and the growing number of Members. Then, in 1992 property was required, and a fund was established to build the current warehouse at the top of the hill in Oregon City.

We remain an all-volunteer cooperative run by and serving limited income Members and our Adoptees. Though we continue to glean the fields, gleaning has evolved to include grocers, food manufacturers, and other distributors, partially used chemicals from transfer stations, and clothing from the public's surplus.

Mary Hamilton, Gleaner since 1986

"It was the 80's and my husband was on strike. He had time on his hands, and we needed food for our large family. My friend told me about gleaning so we became one of the original members. When work started back up my husband was able to keep hauling field pickings on his days off from driving long-distance to and from Alaska."