The Society of St. Andrew operates a volunteer-driven Gleaning Network in Georgia that includes volunteers who save fresh produce every year and use it to feed hungry people all across the state.
Through the Georgia Gleaning Network, SOSA coordinates volunteers in many areas of the state who enter fields after farmers have finished harvesting and simply pick up the tons of good produce left behind. Volunteers represent groups from various church denominations, synagogues, youth groups, other civic organizations, individuals, and inner city residents.
SOSA's regional gleaning office is located in Macon. It’s regional gleaning network has been successful over the years thanks to many generous donors, partners, foundations, churches, and individuals who gave with abundance when called upon to serve their neighbors. Families in need, across the state, benefit from this bountiful gleaning ministry in this agriculturally rich state.
In 2023, through March:
SoSA has gleaned, gathered, and distributed 2,398,463 pounds of fresh produce in 367 events, with 1,571 volunteers.
Food donated by 118 farmers has been distributed to hungry people through 291 feeding agencies.
That's a total of 9,593,852 servings of fresh food shared.
The Georgia Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences will be collecting donations for Society of St. Andrew from its members leading up to, and at, the 2023 Annual Conference. You can bring a donation to the conference with you, or mail a check to:
Rachel Stewart, Tattnall County Extension Office
P.O. Box 580
Reidsville, GA 30453
Be sure to make the check out to Southeast District GEAFCS and include "President's Philanthropy" on the memo line.