Mississippi | EndHunger

Gleaning in Mississippi & Arkansas

In 2020, through December, our Mississippi and Arkansas region has gleaned 3,447,577 pounds of fresh produce in 204 events, with 3,406 volunteers.

Food donated by 35 farmers has been distributed to hungry people through 118 feeding agencies.

The Society of St. Andrew operates a volunteer-driven Gleaning Network that includes volunteers who save fresh produce every year and use it to feed hungry people all across the two states.

In 2016, Program Coordinator Andy Lemmon appeared on the Mission: Nutrition radio program. The show, hosted by Rebecca Turner on SuperTalk Mississippi, focuses on food, health, and nutrition. Andy explains the work of Society of St. Andrew. Runs 24:44.

Through the Mississippi Gleaning Network, we coordinate volunteers in many areas of the states who actually enter fields after farmers have finished harvesting and simply pick up the tons of good produce left behind. Our volunteers represent groups from various church denominations, synagogues, youth groups, other civic organizations, individuals, and inner city residents.

Click here to read a recent article about a Sweet Potato Crop Drop held in Jackson.

Mississippi & Arkansas Gleaning

Please contact us to indicate your interest in gleaning. When we have opportunities within 30-45 minutes of your location, we will email you with details and invite you to join us in the fields.

Most gleaning events take place on weekends where gleaners arrive in the fields around 8am. and are on their way home by noon. Society of St. Andrew makes all arrangements with farmers, produce containers and food distribution. All that volunteer gleaners need to do is show up. Volunteer groups are encouraged to take food back to agencies or programs that they support in their local area.

People of all ages can glean. Gleaners should be able to bend over and should be able to bend and lift several pounds of produce.

It is important that the contact person be reachable by phone during day-time hours.

Most of our gleanings are in the morning and last three to four hours. Gleanings are scheduled week days and on Saturdays.

If you have questions about when local crops are available, we would be happy to help.

For information about gleaning in Mississippi, please contact our Mississippi Program Coordinator.