The 3rd annual Gleaning Day to raise awareness for local hunger took place at Sunny Farms Wednesday, Oct. 25. The event saw 18 students from Othello Elementary schools and McFarland Middle School pick produce that was not harvested at Sunny Farms location on East Main Street, which was then transported to the Othello Food Bank for distribution to local’s who may not have the means to purchase the vegetables for themselves.

“They picked about 1,000 pounds of squash and pumpkins,” Pam Schmidt, owner of Sunny Farms said. “The weather was beautiful and the kids had lots of fun.”

Schmidt said Sunny Farms was happy to be a partner of the annual event.

“We are a strong supporter of our youth and anything they do that’s productive,” she said. “If we see them out doing something in the community, we want to be there to help.”

Sandra Anderson, vice principal at Wahitis Elementary, took the lead in organizing this year’s event.

“Sandra has formed a new student leadership team this year. One of its main focus is community engagement and service,” said Tamar Lumsden, eighth grade teacher at McFarland Middle School. “The leadership team will also be organizing further projects as part of its participation in WE Day.”

Sharon Mobley who manages the Othello Food Bank was appreciative of the donation from Sunny Farms.

“It was an awesome event that Sunny Farms and the school district put together to give back to the community,” Mobley said. “Some people may have thought the pumpkin could only be used to carve jack-o-lanterns for Halloween, but it’s still good and can be used to cook with.”