CEO’s Message
Dear Friends,
Hunger and food insecurity do not look the same for everyone.
Lori, who I recently met at one of our food pantries, once worked full-time as a medical secretary. Today, a chronic health condition limits her ability to work to parttime. Over the last three years, she has sought on-and-off food assistance from CROS: only when she needs it. Her wages do not cover all her bills, and navigating the medical care she needs has added another layer of strain.
Even amid the challenges of government shutdowns, funding cuts, and a growing number of people seeking food assistance, thousands of individuals and families come through our pantry doors or receive meals through our Caring Kitchen program each month. Some are first time
visitors who never expected to be in this position. Others return after months away when budgets tighten again. Many, like Lori, come only when the gap becomes too wide.
Those seeking food assistance often have jobs, but are having to make difficult choices on how to spend their limited resources due to the high cost of living. They are seniors balancing food, medicine, and HOA costs.
They are our neighbors facing health challenges and the family next door whose paycheck is temporarily on hold until the government starts funding their position again.
This gleaning season has also brought unexpected challenges for our growing partners. The unprecedented South Florida cold weather continues to test our local farmers. But with our partners’ planting determination and our volunteers’ willingness to serve, the fruits of our labor continue to grow.
We are grateful for your ongoing investment. As we look ahead, we are confident that, with your generosity, CROS will remain a constant presence in our community. We continue to stand in the gap for the hungry with boots on the ground, ending hunger for one individual, one family at a time.
With Gratitude and Hope,
Ruth Mageria
CEO
