Gleaning in Tennessee

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.

 Gleaning Image
In 2023, through January:
92,000 pounds of food gleaned and distributed
368,000 servings of fresh food shared
18 events held to rescue and share food
618 volunteers engaged in hands-on service
1 recipient agencies and partners

Read the 2020 Tennessee Annual Impact Summary

Join the mission to end hunger in Tennessee!

Jeannie Hunter, Tennessee Regional Director

Tennessee Regional Director Jeannie Hunter was interviewed by the cityCURRENT Radio Show. The program airs on Sunday mornings on five Nashville radio stations: 104.5 The Zone, 95.5 NASH ICON, SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, NASH FM 103.3, and on 92Q.

Learn more about SoSA’s history, how gleaning works, and how you can get involved. Use the player below to listen to the 15-minute segment.

 

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 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.

The 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 occur in the morning, often on weekends, and last around 3-4 hours. Volunteer groups are encouraged to take food back to agencies or programs 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.

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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 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.

Job Openings in Tennessee


Location and Job TitleHours and PayStart DateRespond toEmailDetails
Tennessee - (Cookeville) Area Gleaning Coordinator15 hours week (average); 360 hours per year, $15 / hour plus travel and other reimbursementsOpen for 2023D'Lynn Burgess, HR DirectorContact EmailPDF
Tennessee - (Crossville) Area Gleaning Coordinator15 hours week (average); 300 hours per year, $15 / hour plus travel and other reimbursementsOpen for 2023D'Lynn Burgess, HR DirectorContact EmailPDF
Tennessee - (East) Area Gleaning Coordinator15 hours week (average); 360 hours per year, $15 / hour plus travel and other reimbursementsOpen for 2023D'Lynn Burgess, HR DirectorContact EmailPDF
Tennessee - (Northwest) Area Gleaning Coordinator15 hours week (average); 360 hours per year, $15 / hour plus travel and other reimbursementsOpen for 2023D'Lynn Burgess, HR DirectorContact EmailPDF
Tennessee - (South Central) Area Gleaning Coordinator15 hours week (average); 360 hours per year, $15 / hour plus travel and other reimbursementsOpen for 2023D'Lynn Burgess, HR DirectorContact EmailPDF