Gleaning in Ohio

 

Through the Ohio Gleaning Network, The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) coordinates volunteers in many areas of the state who enter farm fields after the commercial harvest and simply pick up the tons of good, edible produce left behind. SoSA volunteers represent groups from various church denominations, synagogues, youth groups, other civic organizations, individuals, and inner-city residents.

It takes many volunteers— serving in a variety of roles— to rescue and share so much food and your community needs your help. Will you join SoSA in this exciting hands-on ministry?

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The Ohio Gleaning Network has coordinated volunteers in many areas of the state and is currently most active in the southwest corner— with plans to expand as SoSA’s first Ohio program coordinator grows into their role in 2021.

Each year, SoSA deploys and coordinates hundreds of volunteers to glean hundreds of thousands of pounds of farm-fresh food in Ohio. You’re invited to join in this exciting hands-on ministry!

SoSA is an interfaith and ecumenical nonprofit. As such, SoSA volunteers represent groups (urban and rural) from various faiths, youth groups, and civic organizations— as well as multiple individuals who are simply enthusiastic about harvesting and redistributing locally grown food to their food-insecure neighbors.

Currently, most gleaning events take place on weekday mornings (As the network grows, there will be more weekend, weekday, and evening gleaning events.). The growing season is busiest from July – September. 

There are also recurrent opportunities glean at local farmers’ markets too! Give us a call to learn more. Your help can strengthen and grow SoSA’s Gleaning Network in Ohio. If you are interested in this particular opportunity, please get in touch with SoSA’s Ohio Program Coordinator— contact info can be found on this page.

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Serving is easy! The Society of St. Andrew makes all arrangements with farmers and hunger relief organizations for redistribution of gleaned food. All the volunteer gleaners need to do is show up and work.

Often, SoSA works to donate to hunger relief agencies within the county where food was gleaned. Volunteer groups may take food back to agencies or programs that they support in their local area. (If you would like to do this for your agency, please get in touch with SoSA.) Volunteers are not asked to commit more than 2-3 hours at a time.

If we are not yet gleaning in your county, but you want to get involved, let’s talk! To volunteer in Ohio, call or write using the contact information on this page, or use the button below.

Sign Up To Volunteer

The Society of St. Andrew makes all of the arrangements with farmers, produce containers, and food distribution. All you as a volunteer need to do is come out and serve your neighbors in need. Volunteers and groups are also welcome— and 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 daytime hours.

Most gleaning events are scheduled in the morning and can last three to four hours. Gleanings are scheduled on weekdays and on Saturdays. It just depends on the crop, farm schedule, volunteer availability, and a host of other factors.

If you have questions about when local crops are available, we would be happy to help and connect you with farmers in your area with fresh produce for sale.