BAKERSFIELD, CA - In our industry, I can confidently say that there are many companies that have giving back ingrained in their DNA. One company that comes to mind is Grimmway Farms. With a history of caring for communities around the country, the company’s latest mission includes donations totaling over one million pounds of produce to food banks, hospitals, and non-profit charities around the U.S. in the name of COVID-19 relief.
“Our goal is to deliver fresh food to those who need it the most,” said Jeff Huckaby, President. “We connected with organizations that share that responsibility. We’re all working toward a common goal to keep our communities safe and we’re committed to seeing this through together.”
Grimmway’s commitment goes to show that when challenges arise, the people in produce show up to help overcome whatever we are faced with.
As one of the leading producers of carrots and organic vegetables, Grimmway was able to ship and deliver a variety of fresh produce items to those in need. According to a press release, what began with partnerships with Kern County Hospitals and California food banks quickly transformed into donations across the country. The company has now expanded to give back to organizations and families in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.
Earlier this year, Grimmway partnered with the grocery giant, Hy-Vee, to donate more than 80,000 pounds of carrots to local communities.
“When we were approached by Hy-Vee, we saw a great opportunity to give back,” explained Eric Proffitt, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are happy to help when at all possible, and the multiple efforts by Hy-Vee and local charities to serve their communities was impactful during this unprecedented time.”
Throughout its efforts, Grimmway has joined hands with partners across the industry, as well as local and state organizations to expand the reach of its donations. With collaboration from companies and customers, Grimmway was able to minimize contact—keeping food safety as a top priority—and the costs of shipping and distribution.
In addition to its work with Hy-Vee, the company has also paired up with many other impactful organizations to deliver fresh products to those in need. Grimmway has helped CityServe Bakersfield and Metro World Child by distributing over 70,000 pounds of whole carrots to urban communities. Additionally, the company joined forces with its longtime partner Hidden Harvest, a produce rescue program that employs farm workers to harvest surplus crops and transport the produce throughout Coachella Valley, California.
Grimmway’s largest donation during this effort is the over 500,000 pounds of carrots to the California Association of Food Banks, one of the company’s long time partners. With 42 associated food banks reaching 47 counties in California, Grimmway’s donations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have touched the lives of many families throughout California.
“Our Founders promised to provide good value and service every day of the year,” said Huckaby. “This year looks different than most, but through strong partnerships and a shared mission to feed the hungry, we’re still able to deliver on that promise and ensure fresh food is available to those in need.”
As the pandemic continues to present families around the country with new challenges, it is safe to say that Grimmway Farms will be standing behind them ready to provide the support of an outstretched hand just when they need it most.
To see how companies across our industry are helping in the fight against COVID-19 challenges, keep reading ANUK for the latest stories.
