COLUMBIA, SC – The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA), formed in 1979, is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to community and service.
The disciple Andrew, for whom the organization is named, played a crucial role in the effort to feed the 5,000. He brought a small boy forward who had five barley loaves and two small fish, enough to feed a multitude.
Today, the Society continues that mission to feed those who are hungry through the Gleaning Network. The Network brings together growers, individuals, groups and agencies willing to volunteer for the gleaning of America’s fields to feed America’s hungry. Each year over 30,000 to 40,000 volunteers glean 15-20 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables providing 45-60 million servings of nourishing food to hungry people.
In addition to the Gleaning Network, SoSA operates a self-help Seed Potato Program in which seed potatoes are donated to impoverished families in Appalachia and Native American reservations to grow their own crops for family and neighborhood hunger-relief.
Growers are essential. The Society needs growers willing to donate fields and orchards for gleaning. All kinds of fruits and vegetables are accepted. Also, commercially unmarketable but perfectly good tractor trailer loads of produce are accepted.
Volunteers are needed. Volunteers are required to meet the demands of growing seasons and harvest time. Groups of any size and all ages are invited to spend 3-4 hours in the fields.
South Carolina growers and individuals or groups interested in gleaning should contact The Gleaning Network, 1-800-333-4597 for a Gleaning Guide on how to organize a gleaning event. Or, for more information, call Fred Broughton, SC Department of Agriculture Marketing Division, 803-734-2224.
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