Ministry has high hopes after drought

By Michael Wacht

ORLANDO — This winter’s citrus crop in Florida is going to be better than in the past four years because of September’s heavy rainfall, according to estimates by the United States Department of Agriculture. The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) is looking for ways to take advantage of the improved harvest.

SoSA is a gleaning ministry that collects unmarketable food from growers and distributes it to feeding ministries. It was founded in Virginia in 1979 by two United Methodist pastors and is supported by the United Methodist Church through Advance Special #801600-0. Florida Conference churches gave $11,587 to SoSA last year and sponsored many SoSA events.

Dick Mead, the Society’s Florida regional director, said the ministry collected and shipped about 25 percent less citrus last year than in previous years because of the drought during the last citrus season. SoSA gleaned and shipped more than 200,000 pounds of citrus fruit to Appalachia and other regions where it is needed.

"The drought certainly hampered the yield for the average grower," Mead said. "What was excess in previous years may not have been excess this year. That reduces donations to us. Prices were also higher, so it’s easier for growers to sell their products."

SoSA is trying to make up for that shortfall by widening its base of support. Kathy Forth, SoSA’s new program coordinator and member of Orlando’s Azalea Park United Methodist Church, said she is working intentionally to develop a more ecumenical, intergenerational and interracial ministry.

"I’m working more to contact different community churches and denominations," she said. "The color, language don’t make a difference. Ultimately, we’re all one community."

The Oct. 13 Potato Drop at Orlando’s Christ Hispanic United Methodist Church was one result of her efforts. Approximately 40,000 pounds of sweet potatoes from North Carolina were dropped in the church’s side yard, and nearly 100 volunteers packed them into 10- to 15-pound bags for distribution to families and feeding programs around the city.

"This is the first Hispanic church we’ve worked with in Florida," Mead said. "Pastor Guido [Benazet] called us to see if we could do something. The Lord put all the pieces together."

Mead said he is also seeking more fruit growers throughout Florida who would be willing to allow teams of volunteer gleaners to pick the fruit from their trees after the main harvest. He says he relies on church members and people familiar with the ministry to offer referrals or introductions to growers.

Once the fruit is gleaned, it has to be shipped. Mead says that is another area where SoSA needs help.

SoSA strives for a rate of 5 cents per pound when shipping food, which is a very low rate among shipping companies, according to Mead.