Liz Kirchner
The Society of St. Andrew is looking for volunteers to glean a turnip field in Riner through the end of the fall season.
Gleaning is the ancient practice of collecting the grain, fruit, and vegetables left behind after a harvest, salvaging a second crop.
Among its several food-focused efforts, The Society for St. Andrews organizes gleaners to bring fresh produce to hunger relief agencies and the food-insecure people they serve. Gleaning reduces food waste and brings nutritious food to hungry people while engaging the community.
“More than 16 million pounds of fresh food was provided to those in need,” the Society’s website said.
Thirty two thousand volunteers gleaned farmers’ fields and orchards last year according to the website.
School groups, individuals, church groups, civic groups and families and friends glean.
Martha Kincaid, with the Society of St. Andrews has been gleaning for 6 years. She has helped pick fields of eggplants, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes, apples, turnips, winter squash, green beans and pumpkins.
“My favorite is probably the winter squash because there are sooooo many different kinds I never knew about, in all different shapes and sizes,” she said.
Gleaning the Riner turnip fields will take place every Saturdays “until the ground is frozen” said an announcement, as well on Election Day, November 7th and Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd.
The gleanings take place in the mornings from 9 until noon.
Please call Virginia Gleaning Network Director, Sarah Ramey at 800-333-4597 or 434-299-5956 or e-mail vaglean@endhunger.org to schedule a time and to get the details.
