Society of St. Andrew Celebrates 25 YearsThe Society of St. Andrew is celebrating 25 years of ministry of feeding the hungry. The Rev. Ken Horne of the society said they couldn't have done it without the help of everyone in Virginia. Marion Buchanan gave a history of the society, describing its humble beginnings on a farm in 1979. The Potato Project was born in 1983 after a conversation with a farm on the Eastern Shore. Over 13.5 million pounds of food have been distributed in Virginia alone. Over 380 million pounds of food have been recovered and distributed in 48 states. In 1985, the youth education program was born. The first Harvest of Hope event was held on the Eastern Shore. Participants glean local produce and learn about hunger issues. In 1988, the society was approached by World Vision to start a gleaning program. A Virginia statewide gleaning network was created and thousands now volunteer their time. Buchanan then explained the many volunteer and giving opportunities available through the Society of St. Andrew. Horne then told about the offices that have been opened in North Carolina, Florida and Texas. They partnered with United Methodist Men and UMCOR and the Hunger Relief Advocates program was born. They are now in 21 states salvaging food. Their hope is to spread the program across the country. Horne presented a plaque to Bishop Pennel for the people of the Virginia Annual Conference. The bishop expressed his thanks to Horne and the work being done by the Society of St. Andrew. |