St. Paul Catholic School of Princeton Collect Farm Food for the Poor

The following was submitted by St. Paul Catholic School of Princeton:

The eighth graders of St. Paul Catholic School of Princeton recently spent a Day of Service on a Burlington County farm gleaning---the practice of collecting leftover crops from a farmer’s fields for distribution to the poor that dates back to biblical times.

On a beautiful autumn morning, the students and their teachers labored in the fields and gathered 3,000 pounds of beets, Swiss chard, and cauliflower that were distributed, in partnership with Farmers Against Hunger, to more than 30 food pantries and soup kitchens across the state.

On average, 7,000 New Jersey families benefit from the efforts of Farmers Against Hunger each week of the harvest season.

The freshly gleaned Swiss chard was transported directly from the farm to Camden’s Cathedral Kitchen for use as the primary ingredient in that evening’s soup.

Upon returning to Princeton, the students participated in an afternoon reflection on the day and also programs on the Catholic Church’s teaching on social justice lead by St. Paul Parish Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Kaitlyn Mayer.

The Day of Service was planned and facilitated by, Ann Schwimmer, the school’s Coordinator of Service Learning.

The attached photo was submitted by St. Paul Catholic School of Princeton.