Join us on Saturday, March 7th at 8:30 am for our Church Gleaning Day with CROS Ministries! Gleaning is a food recovery initiative that helps harvest nutritious yet unmarketable or below-market-grade produce, redirecting it from being wasted and distributing it to those facing food insecurity in Palm Beach County and Martin County. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our community while enjoying fellowship and nature!
A gleaning waiver is required for each person. Be sure to wear close-toed shoes and sunscreen, and bring water. The exact location will be emailed to registrants the week before gleaning.
Let us know you are coming, and download your waiver by clicking the links below. We can’t wait to serve our community with you!
Location:
TBD
Reminders:
Closed toed shoes are required. No flip flops or open toed or heel shoes are permitted.
It is often good to dress in layers. It is likely to be colder and damp in the morning, so wearing a long sleeve shirt and long pants is recommended. As it gets warmer, a short sleeve shirt may be better.
It is recommended that all gleaners wear gloves and hats in the field.
Apply sunscreen and bring bug spray in the case of insects.
Bring water for you and your family.
Remember there are no bathrooms in the field.
An adult must accompany students still in school.
Please bring your completed waivers with you to the field. One is needed for each person attending.
Rules for Gleaning:
Remember, you are on another person’s property. Treat it better than your property. (Ensure not to leave water bottles, candy wrappers, etc.)
Every gleaner must complete a Gleaner Form. (All gleaners under 18 years of age must have the waiver signed by their parents and be accompanied by a supervising adult.)
In the field, the field supervisor is in charge. Follow his/her instructions and directions completely. They are there to protect your safety, the produce’s safety and the property owner’s interest. Glean only in those areas designated by the field supervisor.
Children are allowed to glean with direct adult supervision. Children must always be within arm’s reach of a responsible adult.
Safety is of utmost importance in gleaning. If any activity is questionable do not do it.
Do not climb trees or fences or ride behind moving vehicles.
Stay away from farm machinery, canals and roadways.
No pets, please; it is unsafe for them and violates food safety practices.
Who Will It Benefit:
Gleaning is a food recovery strategy that allows produce that is below market grade or unmarketable, but equally nutritious and beneficial to be harvested and distributed to the food insecure of Palm Beach and Martin Counties instead of plowing back into the soil. Since people live apart from where their food is grown, gleaning requires volunteers to bridge the gap between the field and the pantry to bring food to places where people in need can receive it. Farmers donate the produce they cannot sell to CROS Ministries and volunteers gather the produce. Palm Beach County Food Bank and our other food-distributing partners then distribute the recovered produce to local agencies with feeding programs for individuals and families with low-income, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and the homeless. The food is given away free of charge.
If there is the possibility of bad weather contact Robynne at (561) 713-4317 any time after 7:00 am to confirm the gleaning is still taking place or to seek help with directions.