Standing in the Gap

Our Mission

Christians Reaching Out to Society, Inc. (CROS Ministries) provides food for the hungry and the food insecure in collaboration with our partners in the community.

Ensuring Access to Healthy Food for All in Need

Two volunteers preparing bags of food to distribute at the CROS Delray Beach Food Pantry.

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FOOD PANTRIES

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CARING KITCHEN

Volunteers in the field holding lettuce.

Recovering Fresh Produce From Local Farms, Cull-Lines, and SWA’s Mango Grove

GLEANING

A Message from Ruth

Dear Friends:

The 2025 - 2026 gleaning season is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish when a community comes together. This season, 3,278 volunteers participated in 186 gleaning events with 12 growing partners, recovering 402,681 pounds of fresh produce that might otherwise have gone to waste.

But gleaning is about so much more than pounds of produce. It’s about the grower who chooses to share a harvest rather than see it go to waste. It’s about the volunteer who gives up a morning to work in the fields. It’s about our food pantries and hot meal program receiving fresh fruits and vegetables. And it’s about the individual or family who brings home nutritious food produce they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Our generous donors and supporters also make this work possible. The Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties recently granted $90,000 to CROS and the Jim Moran Foundation is once again renewing their commitment of $180,000 for the next two years. The investment in our programs provides a vital lifeline for people facing rising living costs, fixed or insufficient incomes, and unexpected financial challenges. Continued and increased support helps us reach more communities and provide additional hunger relief throughout Palm Beach County.

Thank you for being part of the CROS community and for helping us turn compassion into action. Together, we can make sure no one has to face hunger alone.

With Gratitude and Hope,

Ruth Mageria

Chief Executive Officer

Volunteer handing out bags at a CROS food pantry.

Volunteers in the fields recovering fresh produce.

Volunteers preparing meals for distribution.

CROS News

Volunteer Spotlight - Betsy Cordoza

September 28, 2026

Meet Betsy Cardozo from our Belle Glade Pantry! For the past three years, Betsy has faithfully driven from Wellington every Tuesday to serve families in the Glades community. Betsy and her husband, John, attend St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Wellington, and each week they help transport donated bread and pastries to distribute at the pantry. When asked why she volunteers, Betsy said, "I volunteer at CROS Ministries food pantries, because I know it makes a difference in our community!" Thank you, Betsy!

Volunteer Spotlight - Ron Friedhoff

By Weare Pathos • September 25, 2026

For the past three years, Ron Friedoff has faithfully volunteered with our Gleaning Program and has also stepped in to support our Belle Glade Pantry when everyone of our regular volunteers is unavailable. Ron has a passion for gleaning leafy greens in the Glades and enjoys serving at the pantry. When asked why he volunteers with CROS, Ron shared: "I volunteer at CROS Ministries because I enjoy gleaningand then seeing the fruits of my labor in the pantryprograms." Thank you Ron!

Rob Cordoba Joins CROS Board

By Gibbie Nauman • March 14, 2026

Robert Cordoba serves as a vice president and the Florida office manager at Old Dominion National Bank. He specializes in consumer and business banking, lending, investment products, and personalized financial planning for both individuals and businesses. His ability to manage complex financial transactions, coach teams, and optimize branch operations distinguishes him in the competitive banking landscape. His leadership extends beyond the bank as he actively fosters connections and backs community initiatives that drive positive change. Cordoba is deeply committed to supporting local non-profits and contributing to the growth of the community, including serving on CROS Ministries’ Finance Committee. “I was first drawn to CROS Ministries because of its meaningful impact in addressing food insecurity in our community. With my banking background and previous involvement with CROS, I am thrilled to join the board and further use my skills to help strengthen the organization’s financials and allow for continued growth,” stated Cordoba.

Last year, I was in a very difficult place with nowhere to turn, but the Caring Kitchen staff and volunteers welcomed me with open arms. They fed me, cared for me, called me by my name, and gave me hope when I had very little left. Their kindness and encouragement helped me believe in a brighter future. Because of their support, I was able to go back to school and earn my degree. Today, I am proud to be a teacher. I truly don’t think I would be where I am today without CROS Ministries’ Caring Kitchen program. They gave me more than meals. They gave me hope and reminded me that I was worthy of a second chance.

Dana Rosen
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During the economic downturn in the 2000s, I lost my job and all of my savings. I struggled for years, but eventually managed to get back on my feet. Today, with the rising costs of gas, groceries, and medicine, I once again find myself struggling to make ends meet. I am grateful to the staff, volunteers, and generous donors of CROS Ministries for the food I receive through the food pantry. Their kindness and support help relieve the stress of meeting my monthly expenses. I know the difference they make isn't just in my life, but in the lives of so many of my neighbors who are facing similar challenges.

John Taylor
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Thank you to the Wells Fargo team for getting your hands dirty and helping us recover fresh celery! Together, you rescued 2,236 pounds, filling four bins that were delivered to the Tree of Life Resource Center in West Palm Beach. Thank you for your energy, teamwork, and willingness to get dirty for a great cause. We’re grateful you spent your morning with us!

Rina Brick

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights - 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Standing in the Gap

Impact

Financials

Employment

Volunteer

Our Mission

Ensuring Access to Healthy Food for All in Need

A Message from Ruth

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