New York growers who donate produce to food banks as part of the “Glean NY” initiative will be reimbursed for the cost of harvesting the fruits or vegetables, thanks to a donation from The Wal-Mart Foundation to the Food Bank Association of New York State.

“While we don’t have a statistic for how much food is not harvested each year, we know the amount varies with each year’s weather and marketing conditions,” said Rebecca Schuelke Staehr, a gleaning coordinator with Cornell. “Just a small percentage of the produce grown in New York could equal tens of thousands of pounds of nutritious food.”

Glean NY is a collaboration among Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the state’s farmers, the Food Bank Association of New York State and New York Farm Bureau.

“This collaboration benefits farmers by giving them an avenue to donate otherwise unmarketable or unharvested crops, reduce food waste and feed millions of people in need with healthy, New York state fruits and vegetables,” said Sharon M. Smith, executive director of the Food Bank Association of New York State.

Brothers Bruce, Mark and Andy Reeves raise vegetables and berries on more than 1,000 acres in Baldwinsville. Over the years, the Reeves family has donated produce to the Food Bank of Central New York.

“The food bank has been a valuable partner in food distribution in the state,” Brian Reeves said. “We are glad to help feed not only the affluent customer who obviously helps our bottom line, but all area citizens. A healthy citizenry begins with good nutrition and fresh vegetables. Without the help of the Food Bank, many of our neediest citizens may go without.”

All varieties and quantities of produce are welcome and do not have to be washed or graded. In some instances, food banks can provide field crates and pick food up at the farm with refrigerated trucks. To arrange pickup of donations, call the Food Bank Association of New York at 518-433-4505.

Donations may be tax deductible.