When Annissa Clay noticed the seniors in her church needed more fresh produce, she decided to help. Moved by the needs of her neighbors facing limited budgets and difficulty accessing fresh produce, Annissa reached out to the Hernando Farmers Market manager, who connected Annissa with the Society of St. Andrew. Annissa knew a little about how gleaning worked, but she knew this was an answer to prayer. She decided to make sure no good food goes to waste when people in her community go without it.
Since then, Annissa has become a vital part of SoSA’s gleaning efforts in northern Mississippi. At the close of each market Saturday, she collects unsold fruits and vegetables generously donated by local farmers and delivers them directly to those who need them most. She loves seeing the generosity of growers and other market shoppers who want to help, too. Farmers at the market are enthusiastic about participating and grateful to see their harvests shared with people instead of landfills. Often after a hot market Saturday, leftover produce will not keep through the rest of the weekend, but Annissa can share it with people the same day!
One Saturday this summer, a gracious farmer gave her 1,000 pounds of peaches! She had never tried to distribute such a quantity before, but she called churches and friends of friends who could take some to neighbors. Recipients in Hernando were thrilled to get such a treat in the heat of the summer.
Annissa can’t wait to grow this partnership. She wants additional SoSA volunteers, local churches, and youth to get involved on Saturdays, too. She wants to see a lasting program in the community so all her neighbors have what they need.
Annissa’s story shows what one person can do when they see a need and choose to act. And it all started with a simple question: What can I do to help? Through volunteers like Annissa, food is rescued and people are fed in communities across the country. Her compassion and follow-through are exactly what it takes to end food waste and feed hungry neighbors, one gleaning at a time.
Thank you, Annissa, for showing us the power of putting love into action!
This article was originally published in the Summer 2025 Quarterly Newsletter.