MAGNET, the Mid-Atlantic Gleaning Network

www.midatlanticgleaningnetwork.org
gleanit@yahoo.com
VA Office 703-541-9052
Recorded Announcement lines:
703-370-0155 Metro DC
410-426-1597 Metro Baltimore, MD


Originally, MAGNET was formed to contribute to the fight against hunger in the United States. Now the mission has broadened - gleaning is used as a key component to exciting and innovative health and community development programs.

What is 'Gleaning'?

'Gleaning' is the age-old practice of harvesting edible produce that has been left aside in the fields by farmers and/or landowners.

One of the earliest mentions of the gleaning practice is in the scripture of the Bible, and the practice is also described in codes of law and texts. (links)

In 21st century America produce is most often left on the land because of the limitations of mechanized harvesting and limiting market demands rather than decree of morality. For example, (describe a situation with sweet corn and/or apples).

A wide-range of religious and secular groups take to the fields in order to have access to the fresh produce; farmers kindly allow . Volunteers enter at their own risk, the congressional law (link)protecting farmers against frivolous lawsuits. For more details about the history of Gleaning this link will take you to the Wiki site (link)

Why Glean?

- Community building. There are many open loops in our society, rural and urban, people with different cultural, economic and religious backgrounds, people of different ages. Come together.
- Health. Exercise plus access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Fun.


"I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits" Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Get Involved!

Click on one of the following categories for more information:
Gleaners (Paying & Non-paying)(link)- join our gleaning events or enlist one of the MAGNET coodinators to work with you to design an event!
Donors* (link)- instructions on how to donate to MAGNET and a list of needs and costs as well as an evaluation of achievements
Farmers/Producers/Landowners* (link) - instructions for how to enlist your land, crops
Entrepreneurial Volunteers/Community Development Coordinators (link)- list of past programs and interests for future programs, contact information, downloadable applications

* learn more about tax incentives (link)

"I have found that, among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." Maya Angelou

Other Stuff:

• Contact Us: (create and link to a page that shows the administrators' info )

• Photo Galleries (create and link to a photo gallery list page)
• Not-for-profit status (create a link to the non-profit/tax information)