Society of St. Andrew

Good people show up time and time again to glean fields for nutritious food, which is distributed to those in need. Just a lovely group of people volunteering.

Named for the disciple who brought the boy to Jesus with his five loaves and two fish which our Lord used to feed five thousand, the Society of St. Andrew has fed multitudes of our nation's hungry. Farmers, gleaners, and volunteers along with a deeply committed staff have delivered an amazing abundance of food through the miracle of the harvest and generosity of donors. What began among churches now includes individuals, foundations and corporations united in the effort to end hunger in America. Last year alone the Society of St. Andrew delivered nearly 50 million pounds of food. For more than 40 years it has been our joy to be part of this ministry and to witness God's miracle of feeding the multitude again and again. Jim and Judy Tongue

I have been on the Board of Directors for many non profits, however, I have never seen an organization that works so hard and runs so smoothly. In my career I have seen the hunger problem first hand and it's heartbreaking. Its refreshing to see how carefully SOSA watches their expenses so that every penny possible goes to feeding the hungry. The management and staff are extremely dedicated. The skills, awareness and networking of the Executive Director, Lynette Johnson, leads this amazing group of caring people. I am very proud to be a part of such an AMAZING organization. Sheila Carden, Richmond, VA

This nonprofit organization touches the life of many while giving me the suddisfaction, joy and rewarding experience of shering the bounty. I bought a used pick up truck to better help me maximize the help and sispensation of this bounty. I saw so many people happy and grateful! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a link in this organization.
Picking corn, sweet potatoe, collards and kale and turnips in the fields was most rewarding. I got to meet wonderful folks and Ms. Tricia, our leader, is most caring, and kind.

I have used the devotions for years from The Society of St. Andrew. One of my friends has gone to Virginia to help with gleaning. The work they do is so important because of the food deserts that exist. Even though I live in a rural area with many farmers, the produce is not always affordable for a lot of families. SOSA does so much to let people know how and where gleaning is available. The amount of produce they can glean is incredible.

A better organization cannot be found regarding their mission of sourcing and distributing healthy food to those in need. They are good stewards of both their monetary collections as well as with finding crops that would have been left unharvested. I am a longtime proud supporter and will faithfully continue to proclaim their message of hope in a struggling world.

Extremely creative ways to allow volunteers to reach out to others through programs such as those for World Food Day: Adopt a Bushel and Simple Supper. Very responsive and responsible to donors. As volunteers glean fields of crops that have been donated by farmers, overhead is very low and it feels like every bit is going to feed the hungry.

SOSA was and has been incredible to work with. St. Stephen, Martyr Catholic Church youth ministry program has worked with them over the past 3 years. They are always very organized and helpful when setting up gleaning trips for us as a summer trip! It's always one of our biggest group events of the year and the teens really look forward to it! Thank you Society of St. Andrew for your efforts and organizing these great events!

~Ashley Weaver
Director of Youth Ministry
St. Stephen, Martyr Catholic Church
Chesapeake, VA

I continually am in awe of the Society of St. Andrew's ability to salvage/save food and get it to those who need it the most for mere pennies per serving! I've been involved in this ministry for years because of the difference it makes!

I became aware of Society of St. Andrew as a pastor on the Farmville District, VA United Methodist Church in 2004. I have gleaned a number of times and enjoy donating financially. I can be sure the money is gong for feeding people in need. I trust this ministry.

For years Bethel UMC Jr. High Youth group attended a weekend gleaning mission camp. We not only go into the fields to glean (usually potatoes), but our youth also learn valuable lessons about what it's like for people who live with daily food insecurity. They are also challenged to think of ways to make a difference in their own homes and community. Though we didn't participate in any gleaning events during the pandemic, we can't wait to go back next year.

I was first introduced to gleaning during Bible study, specifically the Old Testament book of Leviticus 23:22, "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord you God." This was new to me when we studied it but it stuck with me and not too long afterwards a friend told me about the Society of St. Andrew and the work that they do to feed the hungry.Coincidence, maybe.

I contacted the Society of St Andrew and began to participate in the sweet potato gleaning in the Fall. Then introduced this to my Sunday school class as a mission project. We have enjoyed this so much and have helped the Western Wake Crisis Center as they offer assistance to families in need in our area.

I then became more involved in gleanings during the year, recently green beans and corn. I can only say there is nothing like it for me. To be able to help fill such a basic need as food and to see the immediate results of your work is life changing. We come together from all walks of life. We are very diverse and yet we are all the same, people helping people. Love in action! There's nothing like being in a field of sweet potatoes, digging in the dirt for buried treasure to feed others and knowing that your reward is your ability to help. Your just have to be there!!

Thank God for the farmers who are willing to share their harvest and for the volunteers and especially for the Society of St. Andrew for being the hands and feet on the ground.

It has been a blessing to volunteer with Society of St. Andrew, to help others with the food hunger issue by directly harvesting crops. It was especially fulfilling delivering the crops to the food pantries. I have enjoyed working with our friendly coordinator, Sue.

I have been supporting this organization for several years. I was initially attracted to their work of gleaning in order to help support those in need. I believe this work as is relevant today as ever!

Society of St Andrew (SoSA) is an effective hunger relief organization with a realistic, achievable mission: harvest surplus food and share it (for free) with hungry people. Environmentally friendly, SoSA reduces emissions of methane gas into the atmosphere caused by food waste. Using volunteer labor resulting in low overhead expenses, SoSA truly is a common sense solution to social problems of hunger, food waste and climate change!

Society of St. Andrew has been a blessing to our three Service Centers in Calhoun County Alabama over the years. The fresh vegetables we received were able to go to low income families in our area. Delicious sweet potatoes are what we have received on several occasions. We hope to continue to receive these healthy and nutritious vegetables in the future. Thank you Society of St. Andrew for all you do to help others!

I have been helping with the Society of St. Andrew in Virginia's northern Shenandoah Valley for close to 30 years now. SoSA has been wonderful community partner to many food banks in our area as well as in Loudoun County, Alexandria, Arlington, Washington DC and Page County. Many hungry people are blessed by SoSA's gleaning efforts to provide nourishing fresh produce. Their partnership with area farmers and orchardists are making a difference in our community. In these days of equity and inclusion, I can honestly say that SoSA has always been an organization that worked to help anyone who was hungry, regardless of any societal labels that are placed on people. SoSA has blessed my life by allowing me to be a part of their tremendous work in feeding the hungry.

Our church, Walker United Methodist, has raised money for Society of St. Andrew for many years. We do this by buying their Christmas cards to send to friends as a donation and by putting money in banks to remember those who struggle with hunger during Lent and Advent. We also use their devotional booklets during Lent and Advent. Their Executive Director, Lynette Johnson, came to our small church in Iowa and spoke to the congregation and thanked them for the support they have given for several decades. We are able to read about all the wonderful volunteers and the people that are helped by our donations.

I've been a supporter of the Society of St. Andrew for decades. What can make more sense than to save perfectly good food and distribute it to those who need it? The farmers who donate what they can't sell, the gleaners who collect it, those who transport and unload it, and those who distribute it form a chain of caring across this land. We need this kind of common-sense caring more than ever. SOSA embodies it!

We have supported SOSA for years through various churches we have served. This last year and a half it has seemed even more crucial to support this wonderful ministry since so many people have been food insecure as a result of the pandemic. We love the gleaning aspect of this ministry. We cannot participate directly by gleaning or growing but we give all we can and encourage others to do so through my husband's ministry. We look forward to the newsletters with all the latest ways food has been saved from waste and given to God's children in need. What a blessing to be part of this work!

On a cold damp day, I joined a team from my church to pick cabbages for a donation to our area food bank, with SOSA. I didn't know what to expect. We had some experienced harvesters with us from the farm, at least 2 farmers and SOSA staff members helping as well. Most of us volunteers had never picked much of anything other than from a small home garden. This was hard work, but as my hands, back, legs and shoulders ached, I kept thinking of how much I loved cooked cabbage and slaw and how much I hoped that the recipients would enjoy the cabbage as a fresh addition to the meals they would put together from the food bank offerings and whatever else they had. At the end of the day (and the next), my sore muscles reminded me that we had done a good thing for our community.

The Society of St. Andrew is my favorite non-profit organization. During my more than 40 years as a pastor I have been involved in various ways with food pantries and even helped to get a new community food pantry started. In retirement I am volunteering one day a week with a different community food pantry. I have a degree in art and have used art in my pastoral ministry and in community organizations for many years. In 2018 I was invited to create an original painting for SoSA to use as an Alternative Christmas Card for fund-raising purposes. This is now the fourth year that I have donated an original work for this worthy cause. I am grateful to be able to use my truly God-given gift to provide for millions of servings of food over the past three years. I whole-heartedly encourage supporting the work of the Society of St. Andrew in their efforts to end hunger now.

I've prayed about ways I can serve the Lord. The answer is supporting nonprofits. I don't have a vehicle, this is the best way I can help.

The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) helps our brothers and sisters in the community by harvesting produce left in fields and orchards after commercial harvesting. This organization is right in line with one of my personal philosophies: "think globally, act locally". They help reduce food waste and get the food to people who need it. SoSA is great!

I have donated and volunteered with Society of St. Andrew for years and have never met a more Godly group of people dedicated to helping others.

They provide us with fresh sweet potatoes. The potatoes are enjoyed by many in our area. We appreciate the friendliness and compassion of Society of St. Andrew for those who are in need.

We love working with Society of St. Andrew they help us with a variety of material for our church congregation on hunger. So many people are food insecure and embarassed about asking for assistance and do not want to answer all the personal question at the Food Stamp Office. These materials let them know that they are not alone and we are happy to pass them along.
Maudine Holloway, Executive Director Community Enabler Anniston, Alabama

At this writing Society of St Andrew Indiana is a little over a year old. During that time, Ann and Dawn have built up a large network of farms and volunteers and compiled a database of food pantries, banks and kitchens that spans the whole state. I have gleaned apples and cucumbers and researched farms in northern Indiana. I love that the Society is working as a middleman-we own no trucks or warehouses- but bring together the right people and equipment to move excess or cosmetically blemished produce to hungry people.

SoSA came to the rescue when we needed sweet potatoes to prepare and serve at our Community Ministries at my church, Highland United Methodist in Birmingham,AL. I was impressed by the Volunteer who met me with a large delivery. Before that time I was unaware of the gleaning of farms that is being done by a super dedicated group of people! Thank you for your much needed service to all! Fran Hopkins

SOCA helps our food pantry so much in providing fresh produce to our ministry. We are grateful for this organization and look forward to working with them in the future.

I love working with the Society of St Andrew because it connects me with the hunger issues of our country. I have been able to peel back the blinders & learn how many of our brothers & sisters struggle with food insecurity. SoSA is a great organization that connects food with the hungry in the best ways possible. They work directly with farmers and food ministries & never charge or make people "verify" that they need the food. It amazes me every year to see how much food is redeemed in this country. There truly is enough food! We just have to put forth the time, effort & money to help save it!

Society of St. Andrew employees are passionate, kind, good hearted people who do God's work each and every day. The overhead is very very minimal compared to other non-profits and yet the employees remain passionate about what they are doing and find ways to do what is necessary on a dime. Great stewards of the money that is donated, they also ensure they are being great stewards of the environment - keeping left over produce in the fields from going to the dump and later creating methane gas which is very very bad for the environment, trapping heat to our planet. A big thanks to all of the SoSA employees who work to keep this modest yet healthy organization going year after year. Happy 40th anniversary!

SoSA shares abundance. There is more than enough food to feed those who are food insecure and the work of SoSA gets the food from the fields to the those who need it. I am a monthly donor and very happy to support the work of sharing abundance!

Growing up, I would occasionally hear about "potato drops" and see pictures of great big piles of potatoes... But I was never involved in any of it.

Now that I'm older and working, it's a privilege to donate to SoSA. Every time I make a donation, I am confident that my dollars are used wisely. It's a comfort knowing that I'm actually making a difference in the lives of my neighbors, friends, and community.

I have three most favorite parts about SoSA. The first is that there are no requirements for people and agencies to be able to receive food that's available. No one is required to verify income or explain their situation or make excuses. They're simply invited to share and take what's needed.

The second part I love so much is the diligent financial management exercised by everyone in the organization. The entire team, across the nation, demonstrate a commitment to using all funds as wisely as possible. That dedication is how they keep the overhead so incredibly low.

The third part is getting to recruit other people into the mission who want to make a difference in their communities or for the environment or in the mission to end hunger. It's such a joy to explain SoSA to a person who's interested in learning more and seeing them become excited and passionate about the mission and diving in head first to give, serve, and share.

Society of St. Andrew is great way for individuals and families to learn about hunger in their own communities and how they can help alleviate it. Anyone can signup to glean crops that will not go to market and will be tilled into the ground. Over 20 years ago, I heard our pastor tell his story of driving a truck to deliver potatoes that were gleaned by SoSA volunteers. Since then, I have gleaned turnips, tomatoes, apples, sweet potatoes, corn, grapes, assorted greens, and strawberries. Family and friends have helped too. We have always had a grand time doing it and there is inspiring comraderie among the volunteers while gleaning. Giving children of all ages the opportunity to see where there food comes from is a memorable experience.

This is my second year working as a volunteer for the Reuters YMCA doing gleaning directed by Deidre in the Asheville area. This organization has a great staff and Deidre is very organized and committed to her volunteers. I have helped with several special projects for school children at Mills River Farms and it has been a joy watching these youngsters learn about farming and how to be good stewards of our land. So much is shared when we all work to help those that are less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you Society of St. Andrew for being there and providing me with the opportunity to help others. Sandy Arnold

We could not adequately meet the need in Western North Carolina without the help of Society of St. Andrew. They open doors to thousands of pounds of wonderful healthy foods for our neighbors who need food support. Our volunteers enjoy the gleaning events and look forward to the experiences. They are always well organized and yield more than we had expected. I can't thank Deidre Duffy and her team enough for all they do. It's a true blessing for this community to have Society of St. Andrew among us.
Bruce Ganger
Executive Director
Bounty & Soul
www.bountyandsoul.org

SOSA is such a blessing to the folks in middle Tennessee. We have gleaned with them and they care so much about getting the best products they can get to the places that need them most. Kelsey Miller has been great communicating with us about where and when we can glean and the best places in need of help feeding hungry residents.

SoSA accomplishes more with their funds than any other organization I know. Getting food to food banks is one thing wonderful, but they also incorporate so many learning experiences with gleaning, VBS materials, Advent and Lenten devotion materials, and I love their every year unique donation Christmas cards.

SoSA feeds the hungry around this country by gleaning nutritious, delicious food from the fields and transporting the food to food banks and agencies - volunteer gleaners keep food from spoiling in the fields, and food insecure individuals & families benefit from the fresh, nutritious fruits & vegetables! A win-win!!!

I have been a volunteer trucker since 1992. Been many miles (over 200,000) and to dozens of farms and produce houses. have meet hundreds of people and meet new ones each year. have worked for several co-ordinators and some of them are now gleaner volunteers. The S.O.S.A. workers/volunteers are dedicated to helping feed the needy. thankfully the world is full of these people.
Bill Parsons

Sosa has an amazing gleaning program. I love the friendly environment. I also appreciate that they take care of the waivers and organization of each project. They make it very easy to get fresh produce to our region through our food ministry.

SOSA is a well run critical need nonprofit. They address hunger with an ingenious strategy of gleaning. SOSA reminds us of hunger in America and how, food that used to be wasted, can now be used to help. I love the mission, the education offered and the involvement in community.

Gleaning for the Salvation Army at the Eastchase Farmers Market is a blessing to all involved-the group that receives the food this season, the Salvation Army, the venders that donate, and the volunteers that gather the donations, weigh the produce, and record the results. It's a joy to see the venders sharing the fruits of their labors with those less fortunate. They seem proud when we thanked them for their generosity. It's a blessing to those of us who glean to facilitate getting healthy foods to those in need. We send our prayers along with the food.

Your help is needed. As the Area Coordinator for Northeast Florida two of the biggest challenges I face is not knowing where all the citrus and produce is located that is going to waste; and having the volunteers to harvest that produce. We need your hands and your eyes to help reduce hunger in this country. Please help

The Society of Saint Andrew provides nourishing, fresh food to help feed the hungry. This is one of the best projects I have ever been involved in.

SOSA is gleaning the Eastchase Farmers Market in our city every Saturday from May - October. We have very generous farmers helping a non-profit feed their residents and provide vegetables for Meals on Wheels. A great group to work with!

Our church had a wonderful experience gleaning with Society of St Andrew in TN. The work was meaningful and folks of all ages and abilities felt their role was valued. Sponsoring a green bean drop or a sweet potato drop is next on our agenda.

The Society of St. Andrew does an excellent job of rescuing fresh fruit and vegetables from the fields and getting it to people who need it.

WOW! Fresh produce direct from growing fields provided free to people at risk of hunger is a commodity they seldom have the benefit of receiving. And the number of charities, regardless of their mission, that perform as effectively and financially responsibly as the Society of St. Andrew are very few and very far between. The thousands of people of all ages and walks of life who volunteer their time and energy to glean this food from fields are so desirous of and dedicated to helping those in need that they often volunteer time and time again, year after year. The Society of St. Andrew, with their Gleaning Network, Potatoe and Produce Project and educational Harvest of Hope program, is the leader in hunger relief with fresh produce. This charity is more than worth supporting both with volunteer hours and financial donations.

In a world of excess and waste, the Society of St. Andrew works to repurpose food that would have gone to waste and provide nutrition for people in need. We all have much to give, let's not waste perfectly good food.

When we think of hunger we often think about those who do not have enough food. We seldom think of all the food that is available, but just not in the right place. We don't have a hunger problem, we have a distribution problem. Getting food from any source availble and then getting it to the hungry is what SOA is all about. Having first hand experience working with SOA potato delivery in the Toledo Ohio area, gleaning fields that have an abundance of produce, and using SOA's Vaction Bible School free curriculum to teach kids about hunger, collecting coins in their hunger boxes, has led me to believe in the work that SOA does. If you are looking for a charity to support this is the one.

This organization is amazing! Our church has supported them for many years and cannot think of a better group to donate to.

I found out about the Society of St. Andrew looking online for free Vacation Bible School materials. I was so excited to find materials that were very well organized and supported a charity right here within the United States. Since that time, we have used both years of their VBS materials and have continued to periodically take up a collection to send them as we use their free materials for Advent and Lent seasons. They are very open and honest about where the donations go and offer many opportunities for gleaning and helping others right here at home. I love that!

Society of St. Andrew does a great job in gleaning and donating the produce to food pantries to be distributed to persons who otherwise wouldn't have fresh produce.

Well-organized and a great organization to volunteer with whether as adults or families with kids! We have gleaned for sweet potatoes, strawberries and kale so far! An easy 2-3 hours on a Saturday morning and you really feel like you've made a difference (and you and your kids know the work it takes to harvest food!) Get on the email list to be notified of upcoming opportunities in your area, or join them for big events like the Yam Jam in the fall. It's an all around great experience!

There is no better warrior to end hunger than The Society of St. Andrew. They take fresh produce, gleaned from the fields or donated by farmers and farmer's markets and see that it is distributed to people in need. Nearly 100% of their funds are used to this end. They are the best!!!

Society of St. Andrew does some wonderful work. All of this work is done while using only a small percentage of their money for administration.

My experience has been at Annual Conference in VA. the potatoes are unloaded and bagged to the food banks in the local area.
In a Children's Day Camp the Society propped off bags of potatoes to be dumped on the lawn at Drummondtown UMC in Accomac VA for the children to bag and deliver to the Local Easter Shore Food Bank.