Fresh fruits and vegetables that could have been left to rot in fields instead made their way to families and individuals facing food insecurity across South Florida thanks to the efforts of CROS Ministries and its community partners.

During its 2025–2026 gleaning season, CROS Ministries rescued 402,582 pounds of fresh produce through 186 gleaning events throughout Palm Beach and Martin counties. The effort was made possible by 3,278 volunteers who came together to harvest produce that otherwise may not have reached the community.

Gleaning is the practice of collecting crops that remain in the fields after a harvest or that cannot be commercially marketed. Through its Gleaning Program, CROS partners with local growers and volunteers to rescue this nutritious food and redirect it to people experiencing hunger.

“I'm incredibly proud of what we accomplished this season and deeply grateful to the farmers and volunteers who made it possible,” said Ruth Mageria, CEO of CROS Ministries. “More than 400,000 pounds of fresh produce were rescued and put to use feeding our neighbors. Every pound represents a grower who chose to donate, a volunteer who gave their time, and a family or individual who had access to nutritious food they may not otherwise have been able to afford.”

Produce recovered through CROS' Gleaning Program includes fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, tomatoes, sweet corn, green peppers, potatoes, squash, radishes, green beans, lettuce, zucchini and cabbage. One of the highlights of the season was the mango harvest. Nearly 39,000 pounds of mangoes were rescued from a single grove, providing a significant supply of fresh fruit for hunger-relief programs throughout the community.

CROS' gleaning partners during the season included Agri-Gator Inc., Growers Management, Hundley Farms, JR Fry (PM Management), Mecca Farms, RC Hatton Farms–the Allen Family, Roth Farms, Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, Bull Hammock Ranch , Urban Vegetable Project, and Yee Farms.

Gleaning encompasses several types of produce recovery. During field gleanings, volunteers enter local farms to harvest produce remaining in the fields. Through “grower direct” donations, farmers provide harvested produce directly to CROS for distribution.

A portion of the rescued produce is distributed through CROS' food pantries and Caring Kitchen program. Additional produce is shared with distribution partners, including Feeding South Florida, Farm Share, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, The Glades Initiative, House of Hope of Martin County, and Tree of Life Resource Center. These organizations help move fresh produce into food pantries, meal programs, and other hunger-relief services throughout the region.

“Gleaning is about so much more than the number of pounds we rescue,” said Mageria. “It is about connecting the entire community, from farmers and volunteers to food pantries and the people they serve. Together, we are taking food that might otherwise be wasted and turning it into healthy meals for our neighbors.”

The Gleaning Program continues to grow through partnerships with local growers and an expanding network of volunteers and hunger-relief organizations. CROS is also exploring additional distribution opportunities and welcomes credible agencies serving people experiencing food insecurity that are interested in accessing fresh produce.

Gleaning is one part of CROS Ministries' broader mission to alleviate hunger and strengthen communities throughout Palm Beach and Martin counties. By recovering surplus agricultural produce, the program simultaneously addresses two critical issues: food insecurity and food waste.

“Behind every hand-picked tomato, ear of corn, potato or mango is a story and a common thread: people choosing to take action against hunger, one individual and one family at a time,” added Mageria.

Individuals, families, businesses, schools, faith communities and other groups can participate in future gleaning opportunities. The next gleaning season begins in November/December and will run through July 31, 2027, weather pending. For more information about CROS Gleaning or to volunteer, email rryals@crosministries.org or call 561.713.4317.

For more information about CROS Ministries and its hunger-relief programs, visit crosministries.org. 

About CROS Ministries
CROS Ministries has a 48-year legacy of trusted service and leadership in the fight against hunger in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Its mission is to provide food to people who are hungry and food insecure through community partnerships. With boots on the ground six days a week, CROS works to ensure access to healthy food for all in need. Its programs include community food pantries, hot meal services, and gleaning initiatives that recover fresh produce from local farms. Learn more at crosministries.org.