LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — In February, 2012, Frieda's, Inc. was awarded with the Top 20 Community Donor Award of 2011 by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Frieda’s is the second largest donor of fresh produce in Orange County, California, donating approximately 3 to 5 pallets of produce each week to the local food bank. In 2009, Frieda’s was awarded with the first ever Community Partner Award from Second Harvest Food Bank.
The Second Harvest Food Bank offers Frieda’s donated produce through their Mobile Pantry program, where they set up a ‘farmers market’ at a local church, business or community center and invite those less fortunate to come by and pick up fresh produce. Jeanne Danning, Food Procurement Coordinator for Second Harvest, who presented the award to Frieda’s, added that, “Because many people do not know what to do with specialty produce, we go onto Frieda’s website, print recipes and product information, display with the exotic produce and distribute to the families who bring them home so they can learn how to enjoy the products and feed their families.”
Karen Caplan, Frieda’s President and CEO, was touched by the efforts made by Second Harvest to truly serve those in need. “These Mobile Pantries are such an innovative way to share donated food, and because they are set up like farmers markets, it preserves the personal dignity of those who are in need of food,” stated Caplan. “As our company celebrates 50 years of Changing the Way America Eats Fruits and Vegetables, it feels good to know that we are helping those who cannot afford to buy fresh produce.”
Frieda’s also “Shared the Love” with another food bank during their February Facebook promotion, in which fans entered to win a $100 donation to their local food bank.
The grand prize winner was an Iowan fan who selected the Burlington Area Homeless Shelter in Burlington, Iowa to receive the $100 donation. Annette Fisher, the shelter director, said, “What a great way to help those in need, Frieda's! Thank you, and the shelter could sure use it.”
About Frieda’s Inc.
Frieda’s Inc. celebrates 50 years of innovation in fresh produce. Founded in 1962 by Frieda Caplan, Frieda's was the first wholesale produce company in the U.S. to be founded, owned and operated by a woman, and is still a family- and women-owned business today. With the mission of changing the way America eats fruits and vegetables, Frieda’s has introduced more than 200 specialty items to U.S. produce departments, including Kiwifruit, Spaghetti Squash, Habanero Peppers, Black Garlic and many more. Learn more at www.friedas.com
Source: Frieda’s Inc.
