Fresh Express, Chiquita and Planet Harvest Bring ‘Fresh Communities Tour’ to Salinas
April 30, 2026 | 3 min to read
Second stop of national initiative supports communities across Monterey County with fresh food and simple meal solutions.
SALINAS, CA — Fresh Express, Chiquita and Planet Harvest are bringing the Fresh Communities Tour: From the Fields to America’s Cities to Salinas this May, delivering thousands of fresh food boxes to families across Monterey County.
Following a successful launch in South Florida earlier this year, the Salinas activation marks the second stop in a growing national initiative aimed at expanding access to fresh, nutritious food and supporting communities with practical, everyday meal options.
Each food box includes a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, Fresh Express® salad kits, Chiquita® bananas, and pantry staples such as rice, beans, and protein, along with recipe inspiration to help families easily prepare balanced meals at home.
Located in the heart of the “Salad Bowl of the World,” Salinas represents a meaningful moment for the initiative connecting one of the country’s most important agricultural regions with the local families and communities it serves.
“Salinas is central to who we are at Fresh Express. It’s where our roots run deep and where so much of America’s fresh produce begins,” said John Olivo. “Through the Fresh Communities Tour, we’re proud to support this community by helping expand access to fresh food and making it easier for families to enjoy simple, nutritious meals.”
Fresh Express contributes to the initiative by making fresh eating more accessible through convenient, ready-to-enjoy salads that help simplify meal preparation. Chiquita supports the effort by providing fresh fruit that complements balanced, everyday nutrition, while Planet Harvest enables the initiative by coordinating sourcing, logistics, and partnerships to ensure food reaches communities efficiently.
“At Chiquita, we believe fresh, nutritious food should be within reach for every family,” said Peter Stedman. “Through our collaboration with Fresh Express and Planet Harvest, we’re proud to support communities like Salinas by providing high-quality fruit and reinforcing the importance of simple, everyday nutrition.”
“We’re proud to bring together partners across agriculture and community organizations to deliver meaningful impact,” said Melissa Ackerman. “This initiative is about supporting communities and making fresh food more accessible in a way that’s practical and meaningful for families.”
Food distribution in Salinas will take place across multiple community locations from May 6–8, in collaboration with local partners including food banks, schools, and community organizations dedicated to supporting families across the region.
The Fresh Communities Tour reflects a shared commitment among partners to:
- Expanding access to fresh food
- Supporting local communities
- Championing American growers
- Promoting practical, everyday nutrition
In addition to food distribution, the events include family-friendly recipe inspiration and nutrition resources to help families turn fresh ingredients into quick, enjoyable meals.
The initiative will continue to expand to additional markets throughout 2026, including upcoming activations in Chicago and additional programs later in the year, building a scalable national platform that connects farms to communities across the country.
About Fresh Express
Fresh Express is a market leader in value-added salads, delivering fresh, innovative, and convenient meal solutions to consumers across North America. With a commitment to quality, flavor, and food safety, Fresh Express continues to make fresh, nutritious eating more accessible and easier to enjoy as part of everyday meals.
About Chiquita Brands International
Chiquita is a leading global produce company known for delivering high-quality fruit and supporting communities through its “Behind the Blue Sticker” sustainability platform.
About Planet Harvest
Planet Harvest connects farms to communities by coordinating sourcing, logistics, and partnerships to expand access to fresh food.