Families and individuals facing food insecurity in South Florida received fresh fruits and vegetables that might have otherwise gone to waste, 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 across Palm Beach and Martin counties. The effort was made possible by 3,278 volunteers who came together to harvest produce that might not have otherwise reached those in need, according to a recent announcement.
Gleaning is the practice of collecting crops that remain in the fields after a harvest or 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.
Mango harvest a season highlight
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.
Multiple partners make gleaning possible
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 program continues to grow
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.
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.
This story was created by web producer Michele Kelley (mkelley@pbpost.com) with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: CROS Ministries rescues 402,000 pounds of produce in season
