Gleaning - Feed the Hungry and Save the Earth
An Old Concept for a New Generation - Do Not Let Crops go to Waste
Gleaning is an old term and is generally associated with the law in Leviticus which tasked growers to not only allow the poor to follow behind the harvesters and claim the extra crops but also to be generous in leaving some crops along the edges of the fields so those less fortunate did not starve.
The most well- known story of gleaning in the Bible is probably the story of Ruth. She was supportive of her mother-in-law (Naomi) and helped keep the household going by gleaning. While gleaning in the field of Boaz, he took notice of Ruth. He was impressed with her work ethic and ultimately ended up marrying Ruth. Her loyalty to family and her hard work turned her labor of love into a love story.
Generosity is No Longer Required by Law
Farmers are not required by law to offer bounty harvests to the poor. We now have welfare and other programs to help those less fortunate. In fact, most farmers would probably be most suspect if people showed up with burlap sacks and followed behind the machines gathering the crops left behind.
In some ways, the old system was noble. Those who were poor could take pride in working hard and making their own way. On the other hand, many who were most needy were not physically able to work a field. Children, the infirm, and the elderly were certainly at a disadvantage.
Crops Still Go to Waste
Although gleaning is no longer a common practice, that does not mean that all crops are harvested and put into the system. Every year, valuable crops go to waste, because it’s simply not cost effective to strip fields bare.
An Old Idea – A New Approach
Building on the old Bible concept of gleaning fields, the Society of St. Andrews coordinates field gleaning across the nation. The gleaning program was started in late 1970s. To date, the organization has harvested 98 million pounds of food that would have gone to waste. That breaks down to more the 294 million food servings.
The organization is a formally recognized non-profit group. The Society of St. Andrews began when two families joined together in 1979 with the mission to help others. They felt that they could help by gathering the crops left after the harvest and donating those crops to food kitchens.
The name of the group comes from the story of the barley loaves and fish in the Bible. Andrew brought the young boy to Christ who was willing to share his food. Five loaves of bread and two fish were multiplied and fed 5000.
Most recently the Society of St. Andrews has been harvesting pumpkins in the North Carolina. Volunteers have picked up 4000 pounds of pumpkins and squash at the Piedmont Research Station in Rowan County, NC.
How To Help Out
There are many ways to help with the gleaning project in the South. Farmers can allow fields to be gleaned. Volunteers can pitch in and help gather the crops and get those to various groups in need. Financial donations certainly help as well.
Taking the idea to other areas is also a blessing. Farmers and those interested in helping out can draw on this idea and can coordinate similar projects in other areas. Gleaning is good for the environment and can be a worthwhile project for any type of group – religious or not. When someone is hungry, help is appreciated – period.
Gleaning Means Pumpkins Feed the Hungry
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