February 2, 2015 – Delray Beach, FL:
IBMSECU Volunteers in United Way of Palm Beach County’s Gleaning Project

IBMSECU actively supports employees volunteering within the community, believing that volunteering changes the way the world works and is another way of giving back. IBMSECU employees recently participated in the United Way of Palm Beach County’s Gleaning Project at Bender’s Farm in Boynton Beach.

Gleaning is the process of collecting leftover fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ fields that didn’t get picked to commercially sell. The gleaned fruits and vegetables that IBMSECU employees picked were then distributed through the Palm Beach County Community Food Alliance free to local food pantries that feed the hungry. Gleaning season occurs from October through May.

According to the Palm Beach County Food Bank, a survey conducted by Feeding America reports that 17% of Palm Beach County residents are “food insecure” which means that close to 225,000 are unsure where their next meal is coming from.

According to United Way of Palm Beach County, “During last year’s gleaning season, 217,387 pounds of fresh produce was gleaned and distributed to more than 100 Palm Beach County nonprofits.”

Michael Miller, CEO of IBMSECU, stated that the credit union is honored to have partnered with such a well-established local charity. “We are very proud and thankful that our employees gave their time and support to the United Way of Palm Beach County Gleaning Project. We look forward to participating in more community events that help feed the hungry.”