cros_ministries

Rob Cordoba Joins CROS Board

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 17:51:19 GMT

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.

Gary Woodfield Joins CROS Board

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:36:46 GMT

Gary Woodfield is an Of Counsel at Nason Yeager where he practices in the areas of general civil, commercial, and probate litigation in both state and federal courts throughout the country. He is a former prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and a former Captain in the United States Army Reserve.

Woodfield has extensive involvement in numerous non-profit and charitable causes. including the board of directors and past president of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County Food Bank, as well as the Palm Beach Community Trust Fund. He has received numerous awards for his pro bono services, including The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award for the 15th Judicial Circuit. Through his involvement with the Palm Beach County Food Bank, Woodfield became aware of CROS Ministries and since then has worked alongside former Executive Director Rev. Pam Cahoon and current CEO Ruth Mageria.

“I am grateful to be a part of CROS’ board of directors where I can continue to address the necessity of hunger relief in our community,” commented Woodfield.

Palm Beach Post Opinion Section - 8.31.2025

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 16:20:19 GMT

Ken Treadwell, new Board President

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:18:58 GMT

At our January 27th Annual Board Meeting, Ken Treadwell, a retired attorney, was elected as CROS Ministries’ new Board President, succeeding Dr. John Conde, who served in the role since 2020.

Ken’s journey with CROS Ministries began in 2005 through his involvement with St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington. After retiring in 2012, he was recruited by a fellow church member to assist with our food pantry storage operations, eventually stepping in to become the lead volunteer. At that time, our warehouse volunteers restocked our seven food pantries weekly, sometimes even twice a week, often using their own vehicles. His leadership was instrumental in helping us streamline our operations, which eventually allowed us to consolidate into two warehouse units, purchase trucks, and hire a warehouse manager along with additional staff.

Ken joined our Board of Directors in 2018 and became Vice President in 2020, all while continuing to support warehouse deliveries to our pantries. If you see Ken, please congratulate him on his new role as we look forward to his continued leadership and dedication to our mission.

Great Charity Challenge 10K Grant!

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 23:19:18 GMT

We are excited to share that we were randomly selected to receive a $10,000 grant from the Great Charity Challenge! This funding will support our efforts to provide consistent, reliable access to nutritious food for individuals and families facing hunger and food insecurity across Palm Beach County.

Nonprofit of the Year!

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 01:25:40 GMT

Thank you to the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce and its members for honoring CROS Ministries with the Nonprofit of the Year Award at its We Are Delray event. We were proud to be finalists alongside our amazing fellow finalists, EJS Project and Wayside House, Inc.

Thank You Publix!

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:24:19 GMT

Thank you to Publix Supermarket Charities for their support of our Community Food Pantry Program. Their continued investment enables us to provide nutritious food to individuals and families facing food insecurity, like Frank. Frank, a skilled roofer with more than 22 years of experience, unexpectedly found himself in need after being laid off due to the housing market slowdown. Thanks to Publix Supermarket Charities, we were able to offer him and his family food assistance during this challenging period. Their commitment to our pantry program creates a meaningful impact on the lives of people navigating unforeseen hardships.

Thank You Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties!

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:10:32 GMT

Thank you to Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and your donors for investing in CROS Ministries and helping us to serve the hungry in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Thanks to you we can help someone like Thomas and his family. Recently, Thomas’ car broke down in the Wellington Community Center’s parking lot. When he came back the next morning to wait for a tow truck, he saw that our Mobile Food Pantry was there and walked over to see if he could receive some food for him and his family. The bag of food was an unexpected blessing having to now pay for the tow truck and to get his car fixed.

Volunteer Spotlight - Larry Johnson

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:32:16 GMT

Twelve years ago, Larry joined our pantries’ warehouse volunteer team, picking up boxes of food from numerous storage units in Lake Worth and delivering the food to our pantries often in their own vehicles. He says he has made life-long friends through volunteering with CROS, and the group regularly go to breakfast or lunch together when they finish helping to unload the food from our warehouse truck at the pantries. He is proud to be a part of CROS Ministries and helping to serve people in need. In 2018, we honored Larry by nominating him for the Area Agency on Aging Palm Beach/Treasure Coast Prime Time Awards, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of senior volunteers in our community. Thank you, Larry! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with CROS, please see below for our latest volunteer opportunities or contact Rev. Juanita Bryant Goode at jgoode@crosministries.org.

Board Spotlight - Joe Black

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 19:22:30 GMT

Joe joined the CROS Board of Directors in 2010 and served through 2019 before rotating off and joining the Board again in 2022. He connected with CROS through the Society of St. Andrew’s Gleaning Network, whom he had worked with in Virginia before moving to Florida. Joe said, “As a farmer, my God given talents revolve around food production and feeding people.” He has used these talents to help CROS grow our own gleaning program while also providing a strategic and well-rounded perspective on our Board. When asked why he continues to volunteer with CROS he said, “It's simple… because of good people, good cause, and tremendous need!!!” We greatly appreciate Joe sharing his limited time with us between farming and also volunteering in different capacities at his church. Thank you, Joe for your time, talents, and expertise helping CROS Ministries to serve the hungry in our community!

Volunteer Spotlight - Janet Lisle

Tue, 02 May 2023 19:12:22 GMT

Janet has volunteered with CROS in various capacities for many years and has served as the CROS Liaison for her church, First Congregational Church of Lake Worth since 2015. She enjoys volunteering at our pantries, participating in our gleaning events, helping to sort and bag food at our warehouse, and walking in support of our annual Hustle to End Hunger 5K Walk/Run event in October. Organizing food drives for CROS at her church which involves the entire congregation, she says, is also very rewarding (and fun) for her, as well. “The mission of CROS to serve the hungry resonates with me,” says Janet. “CROS is well organized and has well planned service opportunities makes volunteering so easy. The staff is sincere, welcoming, and appreciative which makes volunteering a pleasure.” Thank you, Janet, for choosing CROS to share your big heart and generous spirit as well as being a great CROS Liaison, connecting your church to the many activities and volunteer opportunities at CROS.

Spring - Community Block Party

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 23:34:51 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight - Barbara Coughlan

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 23:21:22 GMT

When Barbara was ready to retire after a long career as an Interior Designer, she knew she would not be able to stay idle for long. A quick search on the internet connected her to CROS and our Delray Beach Food Pantry. In January, after 11 years and at the age of 95 years old, she let us know that it was time for her to stop volunteering with us. Barbara helped keep the pantry in what she called “shippy-shape” taking pride in leaving the pantry neatly organized for the next shift. She even went so far as to study the stockers at grocery stores to see how they stocked their shelves. Her warm hugs and words of wisdom made every day a little better too. Thank you, Barbara, for being an amazing volunteer. You will be greatly missed.

Board Spotlight - Rev. Dr. Aaron Janklow

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:51:22 GMT

Aaron joined our Board of Directors in 2018. He first learned about CROS several years ago, while he was an Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Delray Beach. He spent time volunteering with our Caring Kitchen program, participated in our annual CROS Walk, and often accompanied one of the church members when they were doing pickups and deliveries in the area. Volunteering has always been important to him. In addition to volunteering in his local community, he has performed service projects around the country and all over the world. Aaron is currently the Executive Pastor of The Royal Poinciana Chapel . Outside of his Board responsibilities, he has also participated in our gleaning events and helped to sort food donations at our warehouse. “I was honored to be asked to join CROS Ministries’ Board. I have valued my time on the Board because of the significant impact CROS has in our community.” Thank you, Aaron, for your giving spirit and longstanding committement to CROS!

New Florida Conference Bishop Visit

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:45:50 GMT

On Thursday, February 2, the new Bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, Bishop Tom Berlin, visited CROS to learn about our mission and impact in the community. He was accompanied by the District Superintendent of the Conference’s Atlantic Central District, Rev. Dionne Hammond and Bruce Kitson, the District’s Church Health Advocate. CROS is one of eight Outreach Ministries of The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church .

Souper Bowl of Caring

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 17:08:47 GMT

Who is going to win the big game on Sunday?

Help CROS serve the hungry!

Vote for your favorite conference or team by making a donation!

Who do you want to win?

Click on the links below to make a donation or use the

QR Codes to the left in the flyer.

Remembering - Wally Hartung

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:07:12 GMT

Remembering - Wally Hartung

On Thursday, December 29, 2022, God called our friend, Wally, home. Wally was one of our most dynamic, boisterous, and high-spirited Caring Kitchen volunteers. The best words to describe him would be 'dedicated,' 'heartful' and 'selfless.' Wally wore many volunteer hats. Not only did he deliver meals to our homebound clients on a weekly basis, but he also picked up Caring Kitchen food donations from various congregations, agencies, and private residences. Wally was a friend to all. He was the first one to jump in and help, no matter the task. He never said NO, and we were grateful that he always made time in his busy schedule to assist in any way. A master woodworker, he built ramps for our homebound client's homes. Once, he was tasked with picking-up some non-perishable food items from a wheelchair-bound donor. After delivering the food items, Wally then returned to the donor's home and assisted the donor with some minor home repairs. He also never missed a staff's and volunteer's birthday or anniversary. Wally, you will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

Hustle to End Hunger 5K 2022

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 16:04:09 GMT

Join us for CROS Ministries' Hustle to End Hunger 5K taking place on Saturday, October 1 at John Prince Park in Lake Worth! 100% of the proceeds go to CROS Ministries' hunger programs. In-person 5K Run/Walk and Virtual Option too!

Board Spotlight - Nancy Hurd

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Wed, 11 May 2022 20:54:10 GMT

When we heard that Nancy Hurd was retiring as the CEO of Delray Beach’s Achievement Centers for Children and Families, Juanita and Ruth quickly went to work to try and recruit her for our Board of Directors. As a community leader, devout member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and a longstanding friend of CROS Ministries and our Caring Kitchen program, they knew she would be a perfect addition. We were thrilled when she said yes, and joined the Board in 2015! Since then, Nancy has been a great asset to our Board and staff keeping us on track with her vast knowledge and history of running a growing and successful nonprofit organization. Thank you, Nancy, for your passion for children, and serving the hungry.

Thank You, Valley National Bank!

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:36:15 GMT

Thank you Valley National Bank for partnering with CROS to serve the hungry in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Pictured Charles Keys, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, CROS Board Member Felicia Slappy, Vice President/Market Manager, and CROS Executive Director Ruth Mageria.

Volunteer Spotlight - Marianne Forrest

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 23:32:07 GMT

Here is to another one of our amazing volunteers! Some days you may find Marianne at our Lake Worth Pantry, other days at our Jupiter Pantry. You might even find her in the fields, gleaning fresh produce or delivering large food donations from her church, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington, to our warehouse. Marianne is always willing to serve wherever she is needed. She shows great care and concern for everyone she interacts with – both participants and fellow volunteers. Her dedication to our mission comes through with everything she does. Thank you, Marianne!

Volunteer Spotlight - Sue Gross

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 23:13:08 GMT

“Give your hands to serve and your heart to love” – Mother Teresa

This quote perfectly describes Sue Gross and her heart for service. Originally, from Chicago, Sue was very involved with her church. As a medical professional, Sue was part of the church’s mission team that visited Haiti once a year to provide community and health outreach to those in need. Even after moving to Florida, Sue continued organizing the mission trips and took groups of volunteers to Haiti for over 20 years. Because of COVID, 2020 was the first year the mission trip did not take place. As each day passes, she is hopeful that she will be able to take a team back to Haiti one day. Sue volunteers for CROS Ministries Caring Kitchen program where she assists in cooking, preparing, and packaging meals for the homebound. She is sweet, kind, and soft spoken in her manner, but her heart is big, loud, and bursting with love.

Board Spotlight - Patti Alexander

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:05:04 GMT

Patti began volunteering with CROS in 2008 at our Delray Beach Food Pantry. She joined our Board of Directors in 2014 and later, became our Board Treasurer. Patti holds true to the phrase giving your time, talent, and treasures. Patti gives of her time as a volunteer; her talent, as Board Treasurer; and her treasures by supporting CROS financially. She also played an integral part in the transition of our Caring Kitchen program into the meal program it is today. Patti has a big heart for others. She has served on the Board of the Delray Beach Historical Society and on many committees at her church, Cason United Methodist Church. Patti is a kind and generous person whose giving spirit spreads to people around her. Patti exemplifies the legacy of service her parents began many years ago. We are truly blessed to have her serve with us.

Volunteer Spotlight - Dominick Ciccone

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:44:51 GMT

Dominick started volunteering with our Caring Kitchen program four years ago. He began by helping with meal prep and serving lunch. Last year, when he found out that we desperately needed drivers to deliver meals to our homebound participants, he stepped up and started delivering meals too. He formed close bonds with some of our homebound clients. One woman told our staff that she always looked forward to Wednesdays, because she knew Dominick would be stopping by to deliver her meals. She started getting dressed and even put on lipstick to be ready when he rang her doorbell. Sadly, Dominick will be leaving us soon to move up north with his husband, Wilson. Thank you, Dominick. You will be missed! - Dominick is on the left in the picture.

Board Spotlight - Nancy Edwards

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:25:44 GMT

All of our volunteers are precious to us, but Nancy Edwards stands out as a shining example of selfless dedication to serving the hungry in our community. Nancy has been volunteering with CROS for more than 30 years. She served on our Board of Directors for several years and now is a Board Director Emeritus. She is also a pantry volunteer working tirelessly at our former Riviera Beach Pantry and now at our Jupiter Pantry. She gives freely of herself and always with a smile, treating our pantry clients with the utmost respect, dignity, and compassion. Thank you Nancy for your faithful service to CROS and the people we serve!

Board Spotlight - Ken Treadwell

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:13:12 GMT

Ken learned about CROS Ministries in 2005 through his church St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Wellington and has been a staunch supporter of our programs ever since. When he retired in 2012, a fellow member of the church recruited him to help out with our food pantry storage operations. A couple of years later, when that friend moved away, Ken stepped up to be the lead volunteer. At the time, managing our food storage operations was a daunting task. We were renting eight to ten individual storage units. Ken and the other volunteers had to keep track of all the food coming in from local food banks, congregations, and community groups. In addition, they were in charge of restocking seven food pantries each week, sometimes twice a week. Ken proved to be an excellent leader, helping to coordinate operations until we were able to move into two warehouse units, purchase trucks, and hire a warehouse manager and staff. In 2018, Ken was asked to join our Board of Directors and currently serves as the Vice President while continuing to assist with warehouse deliveries to our pantries. That same year, we also honored Ken by nominating him for the Fuller Center's Men with Caring Hearts Award. Thank you, Ken, for your longstanding service to CROS and to the hungry in our community.

Hustle to End Hunger 5K

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:49:39 GMT

Registration Now Open!

October 2, 2021 | 7:30AM

John Prince Park, Lake Worth

In-person run/walk | Virtual option available

Board Spotlight - Dr. Stephen Anderson

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Tue, 25 May 2021 15:40:20 GMT

Meet our Newest Board Director - Dr. Stephen Anderson. Steve is a retired educator (teacher, counselor, curriculum director, and principal) from Michigan. He and his wife, Holly, moved to Delray Beach in 2015. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, where he serves as a Deacon and teaches Christian Parenting. He also volunteers with the Milagro Center. When asked what drew him to CROS Ministries, he said that he learned of CROS through his church and was always impressed with the ministry. He was honored when CROS’ Executive Director, Ruth Mageria, approached him to join the Board of Directors. Thank you, Steve, for all you do for CROS and your community!

Thank You CROS Volunteers!

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 14:07:43 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight - Esther Perman

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 19:41:03 GMT

This amazing woman was a terrific and dedicated volunteer before the pandemic, however, during COVID she reached “rock star” status. When several of our volunteers understandably chose to stay home for their own safety, Esther continued volunteering. When the pantry she normally served at shut down because the building was closed to outside vendors, she started filling in at our other pantry sites. Every time we made a change to our distribution and system due to COVID, she was right there helping us to ensure everything ran smoothly. She is also known to bring hygiene items and plastic utensil packs for our homeless clients. Esther Perman, you are a true shining star during these challenging times. Thank you!

Thank You, Publix Charities!

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 20:30:57 GMT

Thank you, Publix Supermarket Charities, for your ongoing investment in our Community Food Pantry Program. Thanks to you we can help someone like Kate, a working single mother. A month ago, she tested positive for COVID and had to use up all of her paid time off days to quarantine at home. When she tested negative, she returned to work. She was back only a couple of days when there was an outbreak in her daughter’s class. They both had to quarantine again. Kate’s daughter tested positive, but luckily, she was mostly asymptomatic. Kate is now back at work, but the loss of two weeks’ pay was a major blow to her budget. By chance, she passed our mobile pantry while driving home from work. Knowing that she can get food from the pantry and save the money she would have spent on groceries for rent and utilities will be a huge help.

Thank You, Lighthouse Self Storage - West Palm Beach!

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 19:35:36 GMT

Thank you to our newest community partner, Lighthouse Self Storage in West Palm Beach , for standing in the gap for our hungry neighbors. Because of their community food drive and generous monetary donation, we can provide food to someone like Cathy, a home health aide. In April, Cathy's patient died after contracting COVID in a nursing home. She had been transferred there after a medical procedure in the hospital. She was 99 years old. Since then, Cathy has survived on unemployment checks and her savings. She never thought she would need food from a food pantry. However, she is grateful that she can receive food twice a month from a CROS Food Pantry, as she waits for her next placement. #CommunityCollaborations #ServingtheHungryTodayTomorrowAllYearRound

Did You Know...

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 22:55:55 GMT

CARES Act: Charitable Giving Changes Due to COVID-19 for 2020 Tax Year.

COVID-19 has presented unique opportunities for charitable giving for the 2020 tax year, which has been addressed in the new Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Under the new guidelines, which apply to the 2020 tax year only, taxpayers can donate 100% of their adjusted gross income to charity and have it fully offset their taxable income. Previously, this deduction was capped at 60% of adjusted gross income.

For example, a taxpayer has $100,000 of taxable income and wants to make a $100,000 donation to a qualified charity in 2020. The taxpayer will have reduced their taxable income to zero and won’t owe any taxes on their income. In prior years under the 60% rule, using the same income and charitable contribution amount, a taxpayer would have only been able to reduce their taxable income by $60,000.

What happens if you donate more than 100 percent of your adjusted gross income?

If a taxpayer wants to donate more than 100% of their adjusted gross income, they can do so without the fear of losing out on the deduction. Any charitable contribution that exceeds their adjusted gross income can be carried forward for the next five years, but will be subject to the 60% AGI limit in subsequent years.

Consider this: a taxpayer has $100,000 of taxable income and wants to make a $300,000 donation to a qualified charity in 2020. Not only will their taxable income for the current tax year have been reduced to zero, but they will have a $200,000 charitable contribution carryforward available, subject to the 60% AGI limit, to offset their income for the next five years.

What happens if I don’t itemize my deductions?

To incentivize taxpayers to make contributions to qualified charitable organizations, Congress included a notable provision in the CARES Act that applies to taxpayers who claim the standard deduction, rather than itemizing their deductions, on their tax return. For the 2020 tax year, donors can take a deduction for up to $300 in charitable contributions even if they claim the standard deduction.

Other ways to harness the CARES Act charitable giving provision:

If a taxpayer is in the position to make a sizeable charitable contribution, with the goal of fully offsetting their taxable income, this could be the perfect opportunity to consider other ways of increasing their adjusted gross income. This can be accomplished by selling an asset that has significantly increased in value and will be subject to either ordinary income taxes or capital gains taxes, or they could initiate a Roth IRA conversion. This can be an effective tax planning strategy for someone who is actively trying to reduce their tax burden through philanthropic means. For more details, contact your financial advisor.

Double your impact today! Stand in the Gap for our hungry neighbors.

Thank You, Roth Farms

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 20:56:27 GMT

“CROS Ministries gleans vegetables at our farm. So thankful, they were able to harvest bins of green leaf and red leaf lettuce. We appreciate all they do and could not be happier to have them harvesting our produce and donating to those in need!”– Roth Farms

Roth Farms is one of eight growers who partner with us every Gleaning Season. Thank You, Roth Farms!

Thank You Royal Poinciana Chapel

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 19:22:37 GMT

Thank you to the congregation of the Royal Poinciana Chapel for their generous donation in response to COVID-19. Thanks to you we can provide a pre-made bag of food to a veteran who visited one of our food pantries for the first time. He said he was out of food and grateful that we could provide him with nourishment to get him through this uncertain time. CROS Ministries - Serving the Hungry, Today, Tomorrow, and All Year-Round. #COVID-19Response #CommunityCollaborations

Board Director - Rebecca Dodge

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 16:34:39 GMT

Rebecca’s career has primarily been in the financial services sector where she spent more than 30 years in various capacities. She currently works at TBC Inc. running operations for their eCommerce business. When asked why she decided to join CROS Ministries’ Board of Directors Rebecca stated, “I first learned of CROS when I moved to the area several years ago. The services they provide spoke to my heart. Everyone should have access to our most basic need . . . food. I have always sought out volunteering at the service level since I believe every act of kindness and caring makes a difference, no matter how small. When approached to consider joining the Board, I jumped at the chance to make a larger more strategic impact. What wonderful services they provide. So, while I thoroughly enjoy volunteering at CROS’ Lake Worth Food Pantry, I am honored to work alongside others on the Board to keep us moving forward and ensuring we meet this most critical need.”

Thank You, Children's Service Council of Palm Beach County

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 18:38:22 GMT

Thank you, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, for your Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief and Recovery Assistance. Thanks to their donation we can help someone like Matt, a father of three children. Matt was furloughed from his job in late March because of COVID-19. He had never been to a food pantry before, but as the weeks went by and bills coming due, he worried how he would feed his children. He was overcome by the abundance of food he received for his family from the pantry. CROS Ministries, serving the Hungry, Today, Tomorrow, and All Year-Round. #COVID-19Response #CommunityCollaborations

Thank You, United Way of Palm Beach County

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Wed, 20 May 2020 18:12:57 GMT

Thank you, United Way of Palm Beach County for your financial support. Thanks to you, we can continue to help someone like Joe, a homeless veteran down on his luck. Before COVID-19, he was a day laborer making ends meet. Now that those jobs have dried up, he is grateful to receive To Go meals from our Caring Kitchen program and a referral for veteran’s housing with the VA. #COVID19Response #CommunityCollaborations

Thank You, Allegany Franciscan Ministries

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Wed, 20 May 2020 17:47:19 GMT

T hanks to Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ financial support, we can help a restaurant server and his family. He has four children ranging from 7 years old to 12 years old at home. He has never needed food from a food pantry but worries how he will feed his children without a job. #COVID19Response #CommunityCollaborations

Thank You, Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Mon, 18 May 2020 18:32:58 GMT

Thank you, Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, for your COVID-19 financial assistance helping us to serve the hungry. Because of your donation we can provide food and produce to laid off restaurant workers, like Joy. Joy, a waitress, was laid off due to COVID-19. She was grateful for the fresh food she received from our pantry as she had not been able to prepare a home cooked meal for her family in several weeks. #COVID19Response #CommunityCollaborations #ServingTheHungryTodayTomorrowAllYearRound

Thank You Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

gnauman@crosministries.org (Gibbie Nauman) — Fri, 08 May 2020 19:49:00 GMT

Thank you to the COVID-19 Response Fund of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties for providing us with financial support during this uncertain time. Thanks to you, we can assist someone like Amy and her family. Amy never thought she would ever need to receive assistance from a food pantry. Amy’s husband’s salary is commissioned-based. With the shelter in place order, she and her husband cannot work, which means there is no income coming in. They thought they had enough set aside for a “rainy day,” but after paying bills in March and April for themselves and their son in college, they realized that there was no money left over for food. #COVID19Response #CommunityCollaborations

Thank You, Jim Moran Foundation

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Thu, 07 May 2020 17:50:15 GMT

Thanks to the financial support from The Jim Moran Foundation, we can continue to help someone like Jenny. In 2016, Jenny lost her job and needed help with food. Thanks to CROS, she was able to get food until she got back on her feet again. Four years later, Jenny is once again struggling because she was laid off due to COVID-19. She knows that this s only temporary, and someday she will once again not need the pantry. #COVID19Response #CommunityCollaborations

Giving Tuesday

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Wed, 06 May 2020 20:04:10 GMT

#GivingTuesdayNow!

A huge Thank You to everyone who made a donation on Tuesday for #GivingTuesdayNow. May 5, 2020 was a global day of giving and unity where people joined together as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. 100% of every donation went to help us feed hungry neighbors in our community.

Meet CROS Ministries’ New Board President, Dr. John Conde!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 15:43:19 GMT

Dr. Conde is a native Floridian, born in Miami and raised in Delray Beach. He is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. In 2006, Dr. Conde founded his chiropractic practice Delray Beach’s Conde Center for Chiropractic Neurology. His first introduction to us was when he and his Conde Center staff began volunteering at The Caring Kitchen, CROS’ hot meal program located in Delray Beach. He joined CROS’ Board of Directors in 2015 and became the Board Vice President in 2016. In addition to CROS Ministries, Dr. Conde is a strong supporter of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Chamber’s Chairmen’s Club. Dr. Conde also serves on the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority and is a Heal Our Wounded (HOW) ambassador.

Welcome Deana McCrea to CROS’ Board of Directors!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 15:50:31 GMT

At the end of 2019, we welcomed Deana McCrea to our Board of Directors. Deana is a CPA and currently works as a consultant providing various accounting and financial services to businesses. She spent the majority of her 30-year career in the building materials industry in financial management roles. She believes deeply in community service and that it is our collective duty to assist those in our community who are in need of support. When asked why she wanted to join CROS Ministries’ Board of Directors, Deana stated, “I was first introduced to the organization several years ago when attending Leadership Palm Beach County with the dynamic Executive Director, Ruth Mageria. I have been a supporter of CROS Ministries ever since and have admired the positive impact it makes in Palm Beach and Martin Counties standing in the gap for the hungry. I look forward to serving on the Board and CROS team to develop even more creative ways to further our reach in serving hungry families.” Welcome, Deana!

Welcome Denise Bleau to CROS’ Board of Directors!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:54:31 GMT

Denise is an attorney with Ward Damon Attorneys At Law and manages the firm’s litigation department. A native of Palm Beach County, Denise believes an essential factor in the positive firm culture at Ward Damon is active involvement in community service by the firm and its employees. When asked why she decided to join CROS Ministries’ Board of Directors, Denise stated, “I have proudly supported CROS Ministries in various ways for several years because it is an incredibly well-run organization that provides essential services and makes a very real impact on those living in our community. I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the board and work with other CROS leaders to help even more of those individuals who are living in the gap and hungry in Palm Beach and Martin Counties.” Welcome, Denise!!

New Whole Foods Market Opening in Delray Beach

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:57:23 GMT

Come celebrate the opening of a new Whole Foods Market on Thursday, January 30 and stay to support CROS! Whole Foods Market is opening a new Delray Beach store on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 9:00 am. The store will be located at 680 Linton Boulevard. To celebrate joining the community, 1% of the store’s net sales will benefit a different community partner each day from January 29 through February 2. Thursday, January 30 is CROS Ministries’ day! Join us in checking out the new store. We will also be there so stop by our table and say hi!

Thank you Lexington Club, Delray Beach!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:01:23 GMT

Thank you Lexington Club, Delray Beach for donating 1500+ lbs of food donations for our food pantries. Special thanks to Caring Kitchen Volunteer and Lexington Club Resident, Anita Yoskowitz, who spearheaded this community-wide food collection. #CommunityCollaborations!

Help CROS Stand in the Gap for the Hungry.

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 16:06:02 GMT

CROS wins Best Food and Best Overall at Living Hungry’s Picnic in the Park!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 16:12:19 GMT

We were thrilled to join our community hunger partner, Living Hungry, at their first annual Picnic in the Park event to feed students who are homeless in Delray Beach. Guess who won Best Food and Best Overall with a Day of The Dead theme while serving- up tasty Mexican food?

Thank you Caring Kitchen staff and volunteers.

Great work!!

Support CROS – Purchase Your Community Bag from Winn-Dixie!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 16:09:14 GMT

Have you bought your Community Bag from Winn-Dixie, yet?

Through the month of November, CROS receives $1 for every $2.50 Community Bag sold at the Winn-Dixie store at 7915 South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. Help CROS alleviate hunger in our community!

Hats Off to CROS Ministries! Nonprofit of the Year – Medium Category

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:16:36 GMT

On October 1, CROS Ministries was recognized at Nonprofits First’s Hats Off Nonprofit AwardCeremony as the Nonprofit of the Year – Medium Category (Operating budget of $500,000-$2.49 million).

2019 Hustle2EndHunger a Success!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:14:23 GMT

We were blessed with wonderful weather and a great turnout! Thank you to the Runners, Walkers, Sponsors, Volunteers, Staff, and Donors – everyone who made the day a success!

Thank you, BankUnited, for supporting our CROS Camp Program.

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Wed, 08 May 2019 15:19:29 GMT

Thank you, BankUnited, for supporting our CROS Camp Program. CROS Ministries’ Executive Director, Ruth Mathare Mageria, with Claire Raley, BankUnited Senior Vice President, Community Development Officer and CROS Ministries’ Board Member, Felicia Slappy, BankUnited’s Senior Branch Quality Manager. CROS Camp is a nine-week summer day camp program for children. Learn more about this program here.

CROS Ministries’ Raise your Glass to End Hunger 2019

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Thu, 02 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Thank you to everyone who came out to CROS Ministries’ Raise your Glass to End Hunger event on Wednesday April 24, 2019. We appreciate your generosity and support. Grateful to morning anchor, Mike Trim WPTV with WPTV News Channel 5, for serving as Emcee. Photos by Leonard Bryant Photography.

Food Drive for the Mobile Food Pantry

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Knights of Columbus #13338 is having a food drive in Delray Beach this weekend to benefit the CROS Ministries Mobile Food Pantry.

The drive will run from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 16 and from 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 17 at Emmanuel Catholic Church, 15700 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484.

Mobile Food Pantry Ribbon Cutting

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, February 27, we officially launched our mobile food pantry with a ribbon cutting with the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. Special thanks to City of Greenacres’ Mayor Joel Flores, FPL Connect’s Thomas Bean, Gregg Weiss PBC Commissioner D2, Bank of America’s Stephanie Glavin, Central Palm Beach County Chamber’s CEO Mary Lou Bedford, United Way of Palm Beach County’s Dr. Laurie George, and Church in the Palms’ Pastor Shawn Allen as well as everyone else who came out to celebrate the launch of our newest food pantry!

Read the article in the Sun Sentinel – Click Here

Are you or do you know someone impacted by the Government Shutdown? Do you need food assistance?

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT

CROS distributes food at seven food pantries in Palm Beach County: Delray Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Jupiter, Belle Glade, and our newest pantry – a mobile food pantry serving Central/Western Palm Beach County. We also have a food pantry in Indiantown in Martin County too. Some of our pantries are open five days a week, others are open one to three days a week. Our Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Belle Glade, and our mobile food pantry also have fresh and frozen meat when available. Click here for locations, days, and times or download this pdf flyer. Additionally, we serve hot meals through our Caring Kitchen program in Delray Beach. See below for meal times and locations.

Please note: if you search for CROS Ministries, you will find the address to our adminstrative offices. Please click here for locations, directions, and days and times when each of our pantries are open.

NEW PANTRY: Our mobile food pantry is now distributing bags of food at Church in the Palms in its parking lot on Saturdays from 8:30 am – 10:00 am. Church in the Palms is located at 3812 Jog Rd. Greenacres, FL 33467. Additional distribution sites coming soon!

Do you need resources that are not food related? Click here for other local resources available to people affected by the Government Shutdown.

CROS Ministries selected charity of choice

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT

CROS Executive Director, Ruth Mathare Mageria, with Audrey Ades. In November, we were chosen to be 100 Women Who Care Jupiter/Tequesta as their charity of choice for the last quarter of 2018.

Bank of America Names CROS Ministries As Its 2018 Neighborhood Builder

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, November 27, 2018, Bank of America named CROS Ministries as its 2018 Neighborhood Builder. This honor includes $200,000 in grant funding to help the organization further its mission. CROS Ministries celebrates our 40th anniversary in 2018 and has plans to launch a mobile food pantry in Palm Beach County in January, as well.

CROS Ministries’ mission is to serve the hungry in Palm Beach and Martin Counties through community collaborations. In 2017, we served 84,201 meals, fed 66,570 individuals in need and worked with local farms to secure more than 500,000 pounds of produce that went directly to the most food insecure residents.

Despite these incredible efforts, our fight is far from over. There are areas in Palm Beach County that are food insecure that our organization has been unable to reach until now. The $200,000 Neighborhood Builder grant from Bank of America will poise CROS to make its biggest impact yet. The funds will be used to grow our gleaning program resources and expand our food pantry program by launching a new mobile food pantry, allowing them to serve residents in previously unreachable communities.

Neighborhood Builders is an example of how Bank of America deploys capital and build cross-sector partnerships to advance economic and social progress as part of their approach to responsible growth. Through its Neighborhood Builders program, Bank of America addresses issues of economic mobility and advance nonprofit leadership to solve tough community challenges. Since 2004, they have invested more than $220 million in 49 communities – partnering with more than 1,000 nonprofits across 49 communities and helping more than 2,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills. Fifteen years on, the program empowers nonprofits to build more sustainable communities.

Thanksgiving 2018

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT

It’s a gift to be able to give many thanks

For the small things in your life,

For the kind words and smiles.

May the candles burn brightly

And offer you peace,

On this special day,

May your blessings increase!

CROS Ministries hosts On the Table Conversation

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 04:00:00 GMT

CROS Ministries hosted an #OntheTable conversation on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Cason United Methodist Church in Delray to talk about hunger and homelessness. It was a great conversation. We look forward to future conversations.

On the Table is a civic engagement initiative, organized by the Community Foundation, where thousands of diverse residents from all walks of life will gather to share a meal and discuss meaningful ideas to strengthen our community.

Thank You Volunteers!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Thank you University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for volunteering with CROS Ministries! Thank you United Way of Palm Beach County for setting up the volunteer opportunity.

CLICK HERE To learn more about our Community Food Pantry Program or schedule your group to volunteer.

2018/2019 Gleaning Season Update

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Hello Gleaners!

The start of the 2018/2019 gleaning season is quickly approaching. We anticipate a sweet corn gleaning in Clewiston on November 17 to start off the sweet corn season. We are also waiting for the go ahead from our lettuce and leaf growers, which should come sometime in November to start our gleaning events in Belle Glade. Our east coast sites appear to be on target for a January 12 start and our Palm City fields look to be ready on February 9. Of course, there is a lot of weather to come between now and then, temperature fluctuations and always the unforeseen; but crops are resilient and so are we!

For those of you looking to bring a group to a Monday and Friday gleaning event, Keith has 5 of 22 days booked already. Let Keith know what looks good.

Visit From Frank McKinney

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, October 9th, we welcomed Delray Beach’s own and great friend of CROS, Frank McKinney, to our Caring Kitchen meal site at Cason UMC in Delray. This was his final tour stop promoting his new book, The Other Thief.

For more information about his book CLICK HERE

SNAP for Seniors

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Do you know a senior struggling to make ends meet?

SNAP (Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program) can help them stretch their food dollars and prevent them from having to choose between buying medicine or buying food. It’s free to apply, and they can get one-on-one help completing the application online or by hand. Please share the following flyers.

Click on the text below to download the pdf flyers.

Snap for Seniors(English)

Snap for Seniors (Spanish)

Snap for Seniors (Creole)

Thank You Cason UMC!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Cason UMC is generously sharing their kitchen with us temporarily so we can continue to prepare meals to serve the hungry in different locations in Delray Beach. Our search for a permanent meal preparation site is on-going. Thank you Cason UMC!

CLICK HERE for meal locations and to learn more about our caring Kitchen Program.

In the photo above, Rev. Alexis Talbot and Patti Alexander of Cason United Methodist Church pose with Jason Leroy and Guillermo Carrasco of CROS Ministries’ Caring Kitchen program.

It is Mango Gleaning Season at CROS!

cwilliams@achieveagency.com (Clay Williams) — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Have you heard? It is Mango Gleaning Season at CROS!

We glean mangoes every Saturday morning at 8:45 am and some weekdays through July at Solid Waste Authority’s mango grove in Lantana. Thank you United Way of Palm Beach County for helping to organize yesterday’s event!

Please visit our Gleaning page form more information about volunteering and to register today!