Gleaning Mission

“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'”
Matthew 9:37-38

Gleaning

Gleaning is the traditional biblical practice of gathering crops that would otherwise be left in the fields to rot or be plowed under after harvest.

We have the means to end hunger in America as the first step to ending global hunger. In fact, there is enough food produced now to feed everyone.

Food saved by reducing losses by just 15 percent could feed more than 25 million Americans every year at a time when one in six Americans lack a secure supply of food to their tables.

In 2023, UPC members gleaned or coordinated the gleaning of 3,160 pounds of corn, 410 pounds of tomatoes and 5,234 pounds of apples.   All gleaned produce was donated to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, PADS or local food pantries.

Be a part of the solution to area hunger, volunteer in 2024.   Contact Cinda to sign-up (required).

Ways you can help

  1. Volunteer
    • Drivers are needed to transport the gleaned produce.
    • Gleaners are needed to help pick the produce.  The amount of food that could be saved to give to those in need could be greatly increased if we had more gleaners.  Strong youth and men are especially needed.
    • Spread the word: Tell others about gleaning.  Ask any farmers you know if they would be willing to have their fields gleaned after their last harvest.
  2. Pray for this mission