Learn About Gleaning in Tennessee

 

In 2019, through May, our Tennessee region has gleaned 248,530 pounds of fresh produce in 187 events, with 559 volunteers.

Food donated by 71 farmers has been distributed to hungry people through 75 feeding agencies.

Based in Nashville, the Society of St. Andrew Tennessee regional office (established in 2010) coordinates the state-wide Tennessee Gleaning Network, handles the placement and distribution of large loads with the Potato and Produce Project, and advocates on behalf of numerous hunger relief programs.

How can I help?
Through the Tennessee Gleaning Network, we coordinate volunteers across the state who enter fields and groves after farmers have finished harvesting and simply pick up the tons of good, nutritious produce left behind. This food is delivered to local food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other agencies to feed hungry people across the state. Society of St. Andrew makes all arrangements regarding the farmers, produce containers, and food distribution. All that volunteer gleaners need to do is show up. Most gleaning events take place in the morning, often on weekends, and last around 3-4 hours. Volunteer groups are encouraged to take food back to agencies or programs that they support in their local area.

Our volunteers represent groups from various church denominations, synagogues, youth groups, corporate and civic organizations, individuals, and inner-city residents. 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.

How can my congregation or faith community get involved?
SoSA works to establish a community of love, and to support lives of service and action according to the Gospel witness. If you or your faith community are interested in receiving spiritual resources about hunger and hunger relief, or having a SoSA staff member speak at your congregation, contact our regional director.

If I have food, how can I donate?
We work to make donating as easy as possible, and the interests and investments of our farmers are our highest priority. To find out more about donating, contact our our program coordinator.

How can my agency become a receiving agency?
It’s simple! Contact our program coordinator to start the conversation. We would love to hear about your work, your service population and food needs, and why you do what you do.

Recent Tennessee Facebook Feeds

So many friends on the farm today! 🐛🥬 Thanks to this wonderful group of students from Brenthaven Church for gleaning, @allenbrookefarms for sharing their food, and @one.gen.away for distributing the food to neighbors in need. ... See More of This PostSee Less of This Post

1 day ago

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Our Florida Office:
Crop gleaning helps to feed the hungry
#endhunger ... See More of This PostSee Less of This Post

Crop gleaning helps to feed the hungry

Picking leftover corn one ear at a time, more than 100 volunteers went to work in the hot Florida sun to combat hunger. This would all go to waste and there are about 45 million people in America who struggle.

4 days ago

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