Shari Rightmer

In 2015 I began serving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to hungry people.  My efforts were recognized and in 2019 I became the Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Laborers of the Harvest (LOTH).

My previous medical and business development experience has served to help LOTH evolve into an Edible Fresh Food Recovery Program. Our programs have created a unique way of ensuring that healthy, nutritious recovered foods end up on families' tables rather than in landfills.  By listening to the public and striving to meet the needs of the “Forgotten Working Hungry”, LOTH established Open Harvest.  For $30 per month those who make too much income to qualify for other free food programs and food banks, those who are not yet able to prove citizen status, or those who work in agriculture fields are now able to access fresh, nutritious recovered food.  

The Open Harvest Membership Program is designed for ALL to be welcome to shop for anything they select from our market, filling 3 bags (or more) each time they shop.  Members can shop a minimum of 8x per month, no questions asked. No one is ever turned away if they cannot afford the membership as we have sponsorship programs and free offerings as well.

Food Recovery, the environment, and being a positive contribution to humanity and communities is my passion which has led me to learn, advocate, and implement the new California Law SB1383.  It has been a dedicated and committed effort to create infrastructures at LOTH from boots on the ground (gathering and gleaning Fresh Foods from Grocery Stores and other Large Generators), to logistics, sorting, cold storage, weighing/reporting/submitting, and distribution of these foods while properly meeting all Environmental Health Department Standards.