NOGALES, Ariz. – The landfill doesn’t have to be the final destination of produce that is no longer commercially viable.
With this in mind, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) believes it is important for the warehouses in Santa Cruz County to know some of the alternative channels of disposal. The association encourages the use of these channels.
Much of the fruit and vegetables that need to leave the warehouse without a buyer is still suitable for consumption and what is not can still be recycled into byproducts like all-natural, organic fertilizers.
To make it easier for members to donate, a poster has been commissioned, listing four of the organizations that will currently receive the product. The poster contains contact information as well as a brief description of each organization’s mission and operation.
The organizations are the following:
- The 3000 Club, a food recue organization which has been assisting food banks and other non-profits in Arizona and California.
- Nogales Community Food Bank which provides food to individuals, families and organizations in need in several areas of Southern Arizona.
- The UA Compost Cats whose objective is to reduce waste, greenhouse gas emissions and to increase local food security.
- Borderlands Food Bank which works with families and other non-profit agencies that distribute food produce to their clients in the U.S. and Nogales, Mexico.
“We not only look to promote social and environmentally responsible actions on behalf of the warehouses, but also to support them in the efforts of reducing costs associated with dumping fees,” says Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA president.
The poster will be distributed to all the association members and it will be available at the FPAA office at 590 E. Frontage Rd. in Nogales, Arizona for public distribution. All interested parties are encouraged to get a copy.
More information can be obtained by calling the FPAA at (520) 287-2707 or via email at info@freshfrommexico.com.
Source: Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA)
