Tackling Local Food Insecurity

The season of the harvest is here! Fields are filled with the fall favorites: the apples, gourds, greens, and squash are all ripe for the picking. However, as many of us sit in a place of great abundance, we cannot overlook those that face food insecurity in their daily lives. On top of the reality of not having enough food to feed yourself or your family, the lack of fresh produce deprives our neighbors of much needed nutrition that can only be found in recently harvested food. 

This month, we feature two large-scale, collaborative efforts that highlight how few hands working together can make a huge impact. These efforts not only provide much needed food for our neighbors, but by working together with other Christians, we are building community and becoming the hands and feet of Christ out in the world!

The Lynchburg Convocation gathered to glean apples at Johnson Orchards in Bedford County in September.

The gleaning was sponsored by The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) whose mission is to “bring people together to harvest and share healthy food, reduce food waste, and build caring communities by offering nourishment to hungry neighbors.”

The Lynchburg News and Advance featured Johnson Orchards and the efforts of SoSA in a recent write-up. The Society of St. Andrew has gleaning opportunities across Southwestern Virginia that individual convocations, youth groups, or individuals can sign up to join. All food gleaned is distributed to local food pantries or feeding ministries.

Allyson Ey, a member of St. John's, Bedford, joined the Lynchburg gleaning effort in September and serves as the Operations Director for SoSA. Allyson had this to say about her experiences with this organization: "I see firsthand that there is so much goodness/kindness in people and God has given us such abundance to share! Our stewardship of one another and of the earth is what Beloved Community is all about!"

If you are interested in getting a group together to volunteer, you can sign up through the SoSA website below, or contact the Virginia coordinator, Sarah Ramey.

Each weekday, Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton, Virginia, serves free home-cooked lunches to anyone who comes through their doors.  

Trinity partners with Emmanuel Episcopal Church and 12 other local churches to provide nourishing meals for all guests who arrive. In addition, the meal ministry is supported by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and the Staunton Farmers’ Market.

Vaccine clinics from August Health are also offered as well as information about local service resources, nutrition, and healthcare.  

Pictured is the Oct. 7th Cooking Team

Read more about how this ministry was first started in this article from News Leader. For more information, contact Noon Lunch Coordinators Kathy Schneiderman and Carter Hannah.

Shine On is an Evangelism initiative that spotlights how the Spirit is moving in the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Shine On releases are sent out every two weeks, alternating with Evangelism Snapshots, which offer ideas and resources to spread the Good News and invite everyone to more!

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