Bushels of Blessings

Bushels of Blessings, a charity that our Worshipful Master and his wife are involved.  We are soliciting help from other brothers in the lodge to contribute their time to this worthy cause.

In addition with Lafayette Lodge, we joined forces to use our Grand Visit meal preparation as a fund raiser for this great organization.  The way that works is Bushels provided the meal and preparations for our Grand visit on March 12, 2024. Some (or most) of the food is being supplied by Bushels through their gleaning process, and the labor was being provided by part of the Bushels team. This provided a cost savings to each lodge, with proceeds from the dinner expense go directly to Bushels of Blessings.

Bushels is looking for folks with free time during the weekdays to help with food distribution tasks. If you have time during the week, please contact Worshipful Master Troy to get you the right info to participate. 

A Shared Passion: Tackling Hunger, Box by Box, Basket by Basket by WM Troy

Every week, my wife and I dedicate a few precious hours to a cause close to our hearts: fighting hunger in our community through Bushels of Blessings (https://www.bushelsofblessings.org/), a 501(c)(3) gleaning organization that breathes life into “imperfect” produce and grocery items. At Bushels of Blessings, we’re not just nourishing struggling families; we’re also reducing food waste, a significant issue across the nation. The USDA estimates 31% of food in the US goes to waste, while children sometimes face the unthinkable reality of hunger.

In the summer, our local community comes together in a beautiful way. A dozen farms in Salem and Gloucester Counties donate crops deemed “imperfect” for market. Teams of dedicated gleaners, including our 15-year old son, head into the fields to harvest these perfectly edible fruits and vegetables. Additionally, throughout the year, local stores contribute items nearing their expiration date or with minor damage, unsuitable for retail sale.

Our volunteer activities vary each week, keeping things exciting and engaging. One week, we might find ourselves unloading truckloads overflowing with fresh produce, meats, and processed foods, carefully sorting through colorful peppers, bananas, crisp lettuce, and plump chickens. Other times, we meticulously repack food into smaller portions, ensuring equitable distribution and preventing waste.

However, our impact extends beyond sorting and packing. We’ve witnessed firsthand the immense gratitude on recipients’ faces at our bustling community drive-up giveaways. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the tangible difference our small actions create. Each carefully packed box contains items of immense potential – a nourishing meal, a smile on someone’s face, a sense of hope. We even surprise the occasional child with a “goodie,” a small treat that brightens their day.  In just a couple of hours at a typical giveaway, we can provide boxes of food to 150-200 local families in need.

Furthermore, we bridge the gap by delivering truckloads of gleaned food to partner organizations who distribute it further within their communities. Some of these downstream organizations in the greater Philadelphia area feed upwards of 10,000 people a week using our food! Witnessing this collaborative network of support unfold, each organization seamlessly playing its part, instills a profound sense of belonging and collective purpose.

This isn’t just volunteering; it’s a shared passion that makes a tangible difference in the lives of others. While the physical work can be tiring, the rewards are immeasurable. The smiles, the camaraderie, the knowledge that we’re alleviating hunger and reducing waste – these moments fuel our commitment. Each week, box by box, we contribute to a ripple effect of generosity and hope, proving that even small actions have a profound impact on our world.

In 2023 alone, Bushels of Blessings distributed over 500,000 lbs. of food: 270,000 lbs. of gleaned field crops and over 250,000 lbs. of retail gleaned items.