More than 250,000 hungry children, seniors and families helped each month by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County will share in an enormous bounty of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables gifted by the global fresh produce industry.
The donation of 228,400 pounds of produce to Second Harvest was made possible thanks to fresh produce companies who exhibited at Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit Convention & Expo last month in Anaheim, California.
Food bank volunteers collected the fresh produce directly from the show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center.
“Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County truly appreciates the partnership and support of the Produce Marketing Association and the produce industry, collaborating to achieve one of the largest produce rescue operations in our food bank’s history,' said Harald Herrmann, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. 'In total, 228,400 pounds of fresh, premium produce went to feed the hungry in Orange County and surrounding counties while ensuring none of it had to go to waste.
'It was amazing for our team to see 24 trucks rolling in with a total of 576 pallets that we distributed to our 300+ community partners – who then provided it to those who need it most – in record time!”
A member of Feeding America’s nationwide hunger-relief network, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is the largest nonprofit hunger relief organization in Orange County.
Second Harvest distributes donated, purchased and prepared foods through its network of more than 300 community and programme partners like church and school pantries, senior centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, Kids Cafes, and shelters for abused women and children.
“Each year’s Second Harvest donation at Fresh Summit represents a longstanding tradition among the fresh produce industry of helping individuals and communities in need,” said PMA CEO Cathy Burns. “It’s an expression of this industry’s commitment to growing a healthier world and an expression of the industry’s commitment to sustainability knowing high quality, healthy food will nourish people rather than go to waste.'
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