MONTEREY, CA - Buyers, operators, attendees, and growers weren’t the only ones feasting on fruits and vegetables during PMA Foodservice weekend in Monterey—the event spread the produce love on to those who need it most in the area.
“PMA is thrilled to be able to give back to the communities that host our events,” said Kathy Means, PMA Vice President of Industry Relations. “We thank our exhibitors and the food bank volunteers who make this happen every year in Monterey. Sharing the bounty of this industry is in every company’s DNA.”
And the bounty shared was significant. Exhibitors donated 18,150 pounds of fresh produce to the Food Bank for Monterey County, according to a press release—about 1,000 pounds more than last year.
“The Produce Marketing Association donation continues the tradition of our generous local ag partners that donate fresh fruits and vegetables to our food bank year-round,” said Melissa Kendrick, Food Bank Executive Director.
A member of Feeding America, the food bank is part of a national network of over 200 food banks helping to feed those in need in the U.S. According to the most recent Monterey County Health Department data, 34% of Monterey County residents are food insecure, and the Food Bank for Monterey County collects, stores, and distributes donated food to one in five residents in the area.
“As one of the largest ag-producing counties in the nation, it’s not only the generosity of the ag producers’ donations, but the highly nutritious nature of the products that are the real payoff for our families in need,” Kendrick said. “With epidemic levels of Type II Diabetes among our recipient population, these are exactly the kinds of healthy food items they struggle to afford on a daily basis.”
Last year, the Food Bank for Monterey County provided more than 7 million meals to families, kids and seniors in Monterey County, which the organization said left the warehouse and made it into the hands of those in need later that same day.
Thank you to all who helped make it possible to see that all that fresh food went to those in need.
