Multisolving Policy Library

Espigoladors Gleaning Movement
(pdf)
Since 2014 | Barcelona, Spain | Espigoladors
Project Goals
- Reduce food waste
- Donate food to people at risk of social exclusion
- Promote healthy eating habits
- Create equitable job opportunities
- Reduce CO2 emissions and conserve water

FOOD & WATER
JOBS & ASSETS
HEALTH, WELLBEING, & SAFETY
CONNECTION
RESILIENCE
Health Case Study: Espigoladors Gleaning Movement
Founded by young Catalan residents in northeastern Spain in 2014, Espigoladors’ vision is to reduce food waste by rescuing and transforming “ugly” foods into healthy products.
Through Espigoladors, fresh fruits and vegetables that are discarded due to aesthetic imperfections or over-supply are collected and donated to social organizations addressing hunger or processed for sale.
Gleaners are often volunteers, and people at risk of socio-economic exclusion are employed in the processing facilities.

Espigoladors At A Glance

Leadership & Replication
Espigoladors’ success is based on dialogues that build trust with producers and food companies as well as efficient coordination with gleaners, communities, and food distribution locations.
They intend to replicate the model in different parts of Catalonia and Spain, promoting a culture of eliminating waste while creating social, economic, and environmental benefits.