America’s Oldest and Largest Gleaning Organization

Reduce Waste, End Hunger.

The Society of St. Andrew brings people together to harvest and share healthy food, reduce food waste, and build caring communities by offering nourishment to hungry neighbors.

Read SoSA’s Response to COVID-19 — Our Guidelines for Gleaning and Other Events. Download: SOSA COVID-19 PDF

Also see our list of things volunteers can do during this time of social distancing: List PDF

Learn More:  DonorsVolunteersFarmersDistribution Agencies

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Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) is a nonprofit distribution partner for several Farm to Families contractors. Click here for assistance with last-mile F2F box distribution.

 


 In 2020, our Gleaning Network collected and distributed 37,068,221 pounds of fresh produce. Our 21,855 dedicated volunteers gleaned nutritious produce from farmers’ fields and orchards after the harvest. More … 

Truckloads of surplus produce, donated by the agricultural community, are delivered to agencies serving the poor. In 2020, our Potato and Produce Project collected and distributed 8,760,110 pounds of fresh produce. More …

Every year, youth groups and people of all ages take part in our work/study mission trip programs in many states, learning about hunger and poverty, gleaning in fields, and working in food pantries and soup kitchens.
More …


 

Learn about SoSA’s History and Mission

In June 2019, SoSA Executive Director Lynette Johnson and Church Relations Director Chesley Vohden were interviewed by iHeart Radio in Lynchburg, Virginia. Learn about SoSA’s history, crop drops, food insecurity, volunteering, and our feeding programs. Runs 28:51.

 
Gleaning Image

Working with Farmers, Volunteers, Organizations, and Faith Groups Since 1979

SoSA partners with faith groups, secular groups, schools, and individuals, that we might all serve together by feeding the hungry out of the abundance that we are provided.

In 2021, through January:

SoSA has gleaned, gathered, and distributed 45,828,331 pounds of fresh produce in 243 events, with 886 volunteers.

Food donated by 147 farmers has been distributed to hungry people through 250 feeding agencies.

Pounds of food already wasted in the U.S. this year: Calculating ...
This waste happens in the fields, transportation, supermarkets, restaurants, and homes.


Feds Feed Families

  • Volunteering with the Society of St. Andrew for the past 8 years has been wonderful. It is amazing to see the difference being made by this organization. They are starting in our local communities and changing the world!–Ashley J.

  • For three decades now, I have personally supported this organization. Doesn’t it make all the sense in the world to save good food that would otherwise be thrown away, and take it to hungry people? There’s no reason for hunger in the USA. There IS enough food for everyone. The challenge is to distribute it. And that’s what they do.–jdevine18

  • We at South Austin Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) financially support Society of St. Andrew. We enjoy the uplifting devotionals they give to us at no cost for participating in their seasonal programs. We are looking forward in giving to this worthy cause again!–South Austin Christian Church

  • I have enjoyed working with SOSA for about two years now to feed the hungry in our community. The SoSA volunteers are always kind, gracious, and so appreciative of the help we can offer. I have been blessed by the opportunity to with with them.–Bosmom

  • Volunteering with SoSA has truly been a blessing. They unselfishly give of their time and talents to help the hungry. If they could see the tears of joy that falls from the faces of senior citizens, widows, hospice, and the working poor, who needed food but did not have the means to purchase any, yet the SOSA team is in action freely distributing food.–tidewatergleaning

  • Gleaning events are hands-on and inter-generational, and the Harvest of Hope programs are longer sessions which include spiritual and educational components. I love the annual Christmas “donor cards” with their unique and inspirational art. I always look for ways to promote and support SoSA.–jasnc

  • Gleaning events are hands-on and inter-generational, and the Harvest of Hope programs are longer sessions which include spiritual and educational components. I love the annual Christmas “donor” cards with their unique and inspirational art. I always look for ways to promote and support SoSA.–jasnc

  • A wonderful organization! Their concept of harvesting fresh, perfectly good, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste is awesome. I participated in a gleaning weekend a few years ago and loved it. Have been a regular supporter since.–Marde

  • SoSA is one of the best charities that we, as a family, have volunteered in. The organizers are extremely personable and down to earth people. Children are not only accommodated, but their participation is valued.–Taskeen

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