Gleaning in Florida

 

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Since 1995, the Society of St. Andrew has operated a statewide, volunteer-driven Gleaning Network in Florida that coordinates with local farmers, thousands of volunteers, and food-providing agencies. Our Florida Gleaning Network is stronger than ever, saving over ten million pounds of fresh produce for the hungry last year, alone! We are one of the few states that gleans every month of the year, giving us the ability to donate fresh produce year round. Throughout the entire state of Florida, SoSA salvages everything from onions and white potatoes to peaches, oranges, blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, starfruit, cabbage, cucumbers, okra, Brussels sprouts, plums, apples, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, squash, and that ever so famous Zellwood sweet corn … just to name a few!

Through the Florida Gleaning Network, we coordinate volunteers across the state who actually enter fields, orchards, and groves after farmers have finished harvesting and simply pick the good produce left behind. Our volunteers represent groups from various church denominations, synagogues, youth groups, schools, clubs, corporations, and families. We support food banks both large and small. We also encourage our volunteers to connect with their churches and local programs giving our volunteers the ability to donate directly to their community agencies after a gleaning.

Gleaning events take place during the week and on Saturdays, where gleaners arrive in the fields around 8:30am and are on their way home before noon. Society of St. Andrew makes all arrangements with farmers, produce containers, and food distribution.

We could not do what we do without the extraordinary help from volunteers and the generosity of our Florida farmers. Please join us in this exciting hands-on ministry.

To sign up to volunteer, click the View Volunteer Calendar button on the right hand side of your screen. If it’s your first time signing up, you will need to create an online profile. After that, all you need to do is sign in with your email address and first name. It’s that simple! Join us and become part of the amazing team of volunteers who continue to make a huge difference in the fight against hunger!

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