Ruth’s Gleanings is inspired by the Biblical Book of Ruth, and by the background command in Leviticus 23:22 that states, “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings left behind. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God.” The Law goes on to add the widow and the orphan to that command that lays out God’s prescription for feeding the people who may find themselves on the edges of society, or even left behind. Not only is there food to rescue, but there are people to rescue. These are the people that Ruth’s Gleanings serves as we seek to ensure everyone has a seat at the table of God’s great feast.

Many people in Spartanburg experience food insecurity as well as health disparities, and some live in food deserts where they lack access to fresh, whole foods. In certain Spartanburg census tracts, food insecurity is as high as 65% while obesity rates are as high as 90%. This indicates a nutritional poverty that is in part due to lack of access to fresh, healthy food. Some communities, particularly lower-income or minority communities, often lack supermarkets or other sources of healthy and affordable foods. Our programs break through barriers of access for struggling families, with more than 50% of those we serve being on SNAP benefits (food stamps).  This is the need Ruth’s Gleanings is called to address, bringing nutritious food to those in need, operating in the Spirit of the Law of gleanings.

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God.”  Leviticus 23:22