We’ve written many times about our story
Maybe so much you’re sick of it
Sometimes I’m sick of it
Not because it’s not beautiful
And magical
And wonderful
But because I know this story is deeply privileged
I’ve still got so much to learn
Each of us does
Gleaning isn’t a new concept
It wasn’t our idea
It was simply the path we found purpose
I know the creation to create this mission
It was a privilege
One we don’t take lightly
Gleaning has a long history
A history that includes but is not limited to
Community care
Societal obligation
And worse
Shame
Many times through history gleaning has been a reliable way to ensure food made its way to community members in dire need
At one point it was a biblical obligation
At others, it was mandated through government policy
Systemic poverty, hunger, and disenfranchisement have all played their roles
We, however, have gotten to partake in gleaning with great joy and exuberance
Which I will never stop being thankful for
We have been welcomed into countless homes and properties with offers of shade, refuge, snacks, and care
Oh, this makes my heart with pride
Gleaning is all of those things, but it’s something else too
It’s opportunity
It’s a resource available to us all
It’s commUnity
The growth we have witnessed during these years is profound
It’s a growing whisper that commUnity is everything
It is my humble of wishes that we as an organization and as people
Remember we were not the creators of this concept
We are merely vessels to aid the many, many others
Who is doing the hard work
Who have come first to lay the groundwork
Who will come next to pick up and carry this in brand new directions
The biggest growth is this
Willingness to learn
Willingness to be wrong
And a willingness to try