Virginia Gleaning Network

 

In 2023, through February:
216,126 pounds of food gleaned and distributed
864,504 servings of fresh food shared
86 events held to rescue and share food
537 volunteers engaged in hands-on service
56 recipient agencies and partners

The national headquarters for The Society of St. Andrew is in Big Island – just outside of Lynchburg, Virginia. This office coordinates all the organization’s ministries and oversees the regional offices in Alabama, Delmarva Area, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North & South Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee.

This video is a great example of how one of SoSA’s partners in Virginia, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, teamed up with SoSA to use gleaning as a vital component of feeding and ministering to the local community.

In addition to being the national headquarters, this office also serves as the regional office for all Virginia-based operations. The Society of St. Andrew operates a nationwide, volunteer-driven, Gleaning Network that includes volunteers who save fresh produce every year and use it to feed individuals, families, and agencies struggling with access to fresh, healthy food.

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Through the Virginia Gleaning Network, SoSA coordinates thousands of volunteers in six local areas who enter fields after farmers have finished harvesting and simply pick up the tons of edible produce left behind.

These volunteers represent groups from various church denominations, synagogues, youth groups, other civic organizations, and inner-city residents. Annually, over a million pounds of various fruits and vegetables are rescued and shared across Virginia. You’re invited to join this exciting hands-on ministry.

Please contact us to indicate your interest in gleaning. When we have opportunities within 30-60 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. The 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.

SoSA’s volunteers represent groups from various faiths, church denominations, synagogues, youth groups, retirees, corporate and civic organizations, rural and inner-city residents, and other service-minded groups.

People of all ages are welcome and able to glean. Gleaners should be able to bend and lift several pounds of produce, as well as stoop down or reach up to gather produce.

• 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.
• The group contact person must be reachable by phone during daytime hours.
• Most gleanings occur in the morning and last three to four hours.
• Events are typically scheduled on Saturdays— weekday opportunities are also occasionally available.

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

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Want to get your congregation or faith group involved?

SoSA makes an intentional effort to establish a community of love and to support lives of service and action, according to the Gospel witness. If you and/or your congregation are interested in volunteering, receiving spiritual resources about hunger and hunger relief, or having a SoSA staff member speak at your congregation, contact us today or go online to request a speaker.

Do you have food and want to donate it?

SoSA staff and partners strive to make donating good food as easy as possible. Our goal is a frustration-free process; over 40+ years, we’ve learned some best practices. Food safety, respect for the recipients, and the interests & investments of participating farmers are some of our highest priorities. To learn more about donating food locally, contact your program coordinator or visit our information page here: Click to learn more.

Are you interested in receiving free food for distribution?

It’s simple! Contact your regional program coordinator to start the conversation. We would love to hear about your work, service population, food needs, storage capabilities, and why you do what you do. Get started today by sending an email to va-glean@endhunger.org. Include your name, contact information, agency location and hours, and your nonprofit EIN (if you have one).

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