The Salinas-based Grower‐Shipper Association Foundation (GSAF), a nonprofit with the goal of promoting and educating the social and economic value agriculture brings to the community, has announced the adoption of Ag Against Hunger as their newest educational program.
Grower‐Shipper Association Foundation’s said its decision to adopt Ag Against Hunger is part of the nonprofit's strategy to educate and inform Central Coast communities about the positive impact agriculture makes. The Foundation said Ag Against Hunger will complement its overall effectiveness by increasing gleaning opportunities, educational and health‐focused programming.
“As an original founder of Ag Against Hunger, I am excited to see the heritage and vision of Ag Against Hunger continue its gleaning program and advocacy as part of the Grower‐Shipper Association Foundation,” said Lorri Koster, former chairman and CEO of Mann Packing and board member, GSAF. “Now, between the food bank’s distribution system and Ag Against Hunger's expanded gleans, hungry people in our communities will get even more fresh produce on their tables."
Ag Against Hunger has existed for 25 years, saying it has donated some 11 million pounds of fresh produce annually. The Food Bank for Monterey County will now be handling the distribution of fresh produce donations.
“We are excited to work with Ag Against Hunger and the team at the Grower‐Shipper Association Foundation to strategically leverage the strengths of our organizations to help alleviate hunger in Monterey County,” said Melissa Kendrick, Executive Director of the Food Bank for Monterey County. “34 percent of County residents are food insecure. When such a large swath of the community is hungry, it has a detrimental effect on the economy, schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, and neighborhoods. If we want our county to flourish, we must first nourish our friends and neighbors in need. By supplying produce with the help of our generous Ag partners, we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of our most vulnerable residents.”
Alicia Cask, Program Manager with Ag Against Hunger will be joining the staff of GSAF working alongside Lisa Dobbins, the Foundation’s Executive Director. Cask will be coordinating gleans and other fresh produce outreach opportunities. Several Ag Against Hunger board members will continue to serve on the Ag Against Hunger committee within the Foundation.
“We are pleased to announce that Ag Against Hunger is now a program of the Grower‐Shipper Association Foundation,” said Jason Smith, chairman, Grower‐Shipper Association. “Together, we can further serve the community in a new way to fight hunger and improve our focus on education and health as we work with our agricultural industry partners.”
For more information:
Lisa Dobbins
Grower‐Shipper Association Foundation
Ph: +1 (831) 588-4505
lisa@growershipperfoundation.org
www.growershipperfoundation.org