"Steve Knight: Reducing Waste One Glean at a Time"
Steve Knight's Background in Chemistry
Knight, who taught chemistry at Winthrop High School for 25 years and retired in 2015, found a new calling in gleaning. His knowledge and skills in handling and organizing items have been put to excellent use in moving thousands of pounds of food around central Maine.His van has become a mobile pantry, transporting food from farms, the Waterville Farmers Market, hospitals, and other places to local nonprofits, libraries, and food pantries. This selfless act has helped countless people in need.
The Central Maine Gleaners Group (CMG2)
Knight now leads a group of six volunteers known as the Central Maine Gleaners Group. They work together to pick up extra produce and distribute it to various locations.One of the notable recipients is the Muskie Community Center in Waterville, operated by Spectrum Generations. With Knight and his volunteers bringing in 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of produce each year, it serves hundreds of people participating in the center's food programs. The excitement on people's faces when they receive fresh native tomatoes or cucumbers is truly heartwarming.
Gleaning Beyond Food: Medical Supplies
Knight has expanded his efforts to glean medical supplies. He takes items like beds, crutches, and canes and donates them to a hospice organization in Skowhegan.Many times, these supplies are not fully used, and Knight's initiative helps ensure that they don't go to waste. For example, a man in Vassalboro called him to take supplies his wife had bought but couldn't use before her passing. These acts of kindness make a difference in people's lives.
The Edible Main Street Project in Summer
In the summer, Knight runs the Edible Main Street project in Waterville. With the support of a grant, he tends to four planter boxes downtown, allowing anyone to stop and enjoy a cherry tomato, a nasturtium, or some sweet basil.Next year, he plans to expand to six gardens, further enhancing the community's access to fresh produce. This project not only provides a source of healthy food but also adds a touch of beauty to the city.
Knight's various volunteering efforts truly showcase his dedication and passion. His work is a shining example of how one person can make a big difference in reducing waste and helping those in need.