SAN DIEGO, CA – United Fresh and Feeding America have long partnered to prevent fresh produce from going to waste. After this year’s show in San Diego, more than 30 volunteers helped collect donations from the convention floor to benefit those in need serviced by Feeding America San Diego’s partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and other emergency feeding centers.
"United Fresh and exhibitors at the show are proud to support the Feeding America network of food banks," said John Toner, United Fresh vice president of convention & industry relations. “Fresh produce is an important part of a healthy diet and the donation highlights how the industry is helping those in need each and every day.”
“United Fresh enabled us to distribute a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to the 1 in 4 children struggling with hunger in San Diego County. Without the support of donors like United Fresh, we would not be able to meet the tremendous need in our community,” said Jennifer Gilmore, executive director of Feeding America San Diego.
Bringing nutritious foods to families in need is a large part of the work that Feeding America and its network of 202 food bank and 61,000 partner agencies do on a daily basis. In all, the nationwide Feeding America Network serves about 37 million people in need.
“Feeding America thanks the United Fresh Produce Association and its 2013 exhibitor donors for their more than 32,000 pounds of donations to Feeding America San Diego. We would also like to thank Freeman and IFCO for their additional logistics support and assistance,” said Bob Aiken, President and CEO of Feeding America.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
