In 2004, a small youth group from Grand Rapids set out on a life-changing journey. Packed into two vans, high school students and their leaders drove across the continent to the Okanagan Valley with a simple but powerful mission.

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They camped in an apple orchard, spent their days chopping donated fruits and vegetables—surplus that would have otherwise gone to waste—and carefully laid them on trays to be dehydrated. Once dried, the produce was transformed into nutritionally balanced soup mixes, ready to be distributed by mission partners feeding people in need around the world.

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What seemed like a simple trip became something much bigger.

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The group discovered that just one hour of volunteer work could produce up to 60 servings of food—at a cost of only 10 cents per serving. Even more powerful, for every pound of produce rescued from being discarded, three servings of life-giving food could be created.

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That experience sparked a vision.

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Inspired by their time with Okanagan Gleaners, Sus Manos Gleaners was founded in 2008 with a mission to engage the West Michigan community in rescuing and repurposing excess produce to feed a hungry world.

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Located in a region rich with agriculture and driven by a strong spirit of volunteerism, Sus Manos Gleaners brings together farmers, businesses, and individuals to donate surplus produce. With the help of dedicated volunteers and industrial dehydrating equipment, that produce is transformed into nutritious soup mixes and fruit snacks.

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These products are then packaged into large barrels and distributed through Christian mission partners, reaching communities facing critical food shortages across the globe. The dehydration process preserves nutrients, extends shelf life, and makes the food far more efficient and cost-effective to ship.

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What began as a single trip has grown into a movement—one that continues to expand its reach, impact, and vision.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and the doors that continue to open.

Join us and be part of something truly meaningful.