Our Mission
We Believe In…
building an informed and engaged community committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate hunger, reclaim and repurpose food waste, and promote the health and well-being of all.
How ProduceGood Works!
Produce Donors
We glean surplus produce from backyards & orchards, farms, farmers’ markets, and grocery retailers.
Volunteers in Action
Our volunteers pick fruit, sort produce, and collect the surplus fruits and veggies.
Our Feeding Partners
We deliver the produce same-day to our feeding partners, including resource centers, youth clubs, and affordable housing.
Communities in Need
Produce is distributed free of charge to vulnerable & underserved individuals and families across San Diego County.
Our Core Values
We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone involved with ProduceGood feels valued and supported.
Foster mutual support through the sharing of time, skills, resources, and experience to strengthen community impact.
Reciprocity & Trust
Promote long-term community well-being through sustainable actions and a shared commitment to the mission.
Sustainability & Passion
Create inclusive opportunities for diverse communities to contribute, connect, and access valuable resources year-round.
Respect & Inclusion
Work alongside people and organizations to drive meaningful change and continuously improve community impact.
Collaboration & Innovation
What Began with Fallen Fruit From a Single Tree Grew Into a Countywide Movement
In 2010, Nita Kurmins Gilson noticed something during her neighborhood walks. Fruit was falling from nearby trees and going to waste. She began gathering friends and family to glean the excess produce and donate it to the local food bank. As the effort grew, she realized the challenge was too big for one person to solve.
In 2014, mother-daughter team Jerilyn and Alexandra White were connected with Nita through a mutual friend. Jeri was passionate about strengthening community resilience for aging adults, while Alex brought a deep conviction that whole food is power and a determination to build the infrastructure needed to increase access to fresh produce for all.
United by the belief that no one should go hungry while good food goes to waste, the trio founded ProduceGood—a volunteer-powered organization built to bridge the gap between surplus and need.
Today, ProduceGood Has Grown into the Largest and Most Active Gleaning Organization in San Diego County.
What began with a single feeding partner, Feeding America, now exceeds 100 feeding partners across San Diego County. Our handful of citrus tree growers and volunteers has grown to hundreds of backyard growers and farmers and thousands of volunteers.
While our mission remains rooted in grassroots action, our impact continues to grow throughout the county. In addition to our flagship backyard gleaning program, CropSwap, ProduceGood coordinates thousands of volunteers through our Market Share program, rescuing excess produce from farms, farmers markets, and grocery stores to help nourish communities facing food insecurity.
Meet the Team!
Meet the passionate team behind ProduceGood — a community of staff, volunteers, and leaders dedicated to reducing food waste and nourishing communities across San Diego County.
