In Île-de-France, gleaning fruit and vegetables free of charge is not only possible, it's also encouraged in the fight against food waste. This age-old practice, once the preserve of the very poor, is enjoying a renaissance. Indeed, collaborative tools such as the Falling Fruit interactive map now list over 15,000 places in France where fruit and vegetables can be collected after harvest. And the good news is that there are plenty of them in the Paris region! Whether in the fields or in the city, gleaning allows everyone to recover fresh produce while participating in an eco-responsible approach.
Traditionally, gleaning consisted of picking up the remains of crops in the fields, once the farmers had finished. Today, this activity is also adapted to the city, where it's possible to pick up fallen fruit in parks, public spaces or community gardens. The Falling Fruit collaborative map, available online, makes it easy to locate these gleaning sites in the Paris region and elsewhere.
Developed in 2016 by American students, it lists nearly 15,000 locations in France, with a high concentration in the Paris region. Users indicate locations where edible fruit and vegetables can be found for collection. Whether you're looking for apples, hazelnuts or forgotten vegetables, this platform is a real tool against food waste.
Gleaning is strictly regulated by French law. Under articles 520 of the French Civil Code and R26 of the French Penal Code, fruit and vegetables may only be collected after they have been officially harvested. What's more, only fruit that has fallen to the ground is allowed to be picked, particularly in urban areas, where picking directly from public or private trees is forbidden without authorization. Unenclosed fields and orchards may be gleaned after harvest, but it is advisable to ask the farmer's permission, especially as some communes have specific regulations.
For those who wish to take part in this practice in the Paris region, there are several options open to you. Away from the fields, you can visit markets at the end of the day to glean unsold produce left by market gardeners. Shared gardens and certain urban parks also offer public picking periods, in line with municipal projects to promote food self-sufficiency and combat waste. In addition, some towns and villages have been awarded the " Edible Towns and Villages " label, encouraging their residents to consume local harvests, symbolizing an ecological and social approach to food.
In conclusion, whether in a rural or urban setting, gleaning is a real economic boon, a simple and free way to stock up on fresh, seasonal produce, and a responsible way to do so. Armed with a Falling Fruit card and respecting local rules, everyone can take advantage of these natural resources and participate in an anti-waste movement.
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