When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:9-10
Register Here to Participate
WHAT IS GLEANING?
Gleaning has been an important form of social welfare for well over 2,000 years. Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers’ fields after they have been commercially harvested. After harvesting, those crops that do not meet the requirements for grocery stores yet are still edible will be left to rot and plowed back into the soil unless gleaners come harvest the field. Gleaning has biblical roots and is found in several books of the bible. The Old Testament commanded Hebrew farmers to intentionally leave a portion of their crops un-harvested and allow poor neighbors and strangers to come onto their land to pick what was left for themselves and their families.
WHO GLEANS?
The Society of St. Andrew operates a statewide, volunteer-driven Gleaning Network that coordinates with local farmers, volunteers, and agencies that distribute food to those in need. Our congregation has a chance to help. They are looking for 20 volunteers to pick corn on August 18th from 8-10 at Barbee Farms in Concord just north of Charlotte (volunteers provide their own transportation). More details about directions and dress requirements will be provided to those who sign up.
WHY GLEAN?
To be the hands and feet for Jesus Christ in this community and beyond,
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Click here to go to Barbee Farms and help glean. If you have questions, email Margie Ligon.
margie@fumcbelmont.org
PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO GLEAN? YOU CAN STILL HELP!
If you want to help but do not feel that you can join us we still need your help! Volunteers are needed to gather sturdy boxes (produce boxes, banana boxes, wine boxes) for the corn. If you would like to donate boxes, drop them off before or after worship on August 15th.
We will also need help delivering the corn to various food banks for distribution, .