The produce industry is continuing to give back during the pandemic, and companies are donating funds and food to those in need.
John D’Arrigo, CEO and President and Chairman of the Board for D’Arrigo California is partnering with the Grower Shipper Association Foundation/Ag Against Hunger to create an ag industry-designated charitable giving opportunity. The goal is to help individuals and families in their communities who are struggling from food insecurity and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grower-Shipper member, John D'Arrigo, kicked off the AG Challenge effort with generous pledges of $10K to support the Food Bank for Monterey County and $10K to support Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley.
Right: John D'Arrigo.
"When I saw the Food Bank for Monterey County feature on the news, I realized how difficult things are right now for them and it really got me thinking. How can I help these two organizations continue to fulfill their mission of providing fresh fruit and vegetables to individuals in need? So, I thought of the Ag Challenge," said D'Arrigo.
Berries to foodbanks
Wish Farms is also aiding local food banks during the Covid-19 pandemic, through means of berry donations. “The need is urgent. We have seen double the amount of people we normally see since the crisis began. With stores having a hard time keeping shelves stocked, our organization’s usual supply chain has been severely interrupted,” said Mary Heysek, Director of United Food Bank of Plant City.
Over the last two weeks, Wish Farms has donated 220,000 pounds of fresh strawberries (equivalent to 241 pallets on 9 semi-trucks) to Feeding Tampa Bay, United Food Bank of Plant City and others. “Our industry has been under pressure to keep produce flowing to consumers during this unprecedented time. Our team is working diligently to keep our retail customers stocked,” said Gary Wishnatzki, Owner of Wish Farms. “However, we can’t forget that many millions of Americans were already food insecure before this crisis hit. We stand ready to support our food bank partners now and in the future, because everyone deserves to have access to healthy food.”
Live streaming session to encourage consumers
With more people staying at home these past few weeks, Opal decided to host an Instagram live last week with their brand ambassador, Cynthia Sass, to help provide helpful information for their followers. Sass, registered dietitian and nutritionist, touched on subjects such as ways to boost the immune system, snacking at home, simple healthy recipes as well as tips on having a healthy mindset and staying positive.
“We thought it was important to connect with our Opal supporters during this time,” said Chuck Zeutenhorst, President of FirstFruits Marketing, “We’re lucky to have such a knowledgeable partner in Cynthia to give helpful information to our Opal fans.”
Salad donations
FiveStar Gourmet Foods also took action by donating 15,000 pre-packaged complete meal salads under the Simply Fresh® brand to Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, who will be distributing the salads to the local communities that they serve.
“Feeding America is committed to expanding fresh offerings to food banks in communities that are facing hunger in this difficult time,” said Tal Shoshan, FiveStar’s Chief Executive Officer, “We want to do our part to help provide more nutritious food to those who are struggling.”
For more information:
Claudia Pizarro-Villalobos
D’Arrigo California
Tel: +1 (831) 455-4315
Email: cvillalobos@darrigo.com
www.andyboy.com
Amber Maloney/Nick Wishnatzki
Wish Farms
Tel: +1 (813) 752-5111
Email: marketing@wishfarms.com
www.wishfarms.com
Opal Apples
Tel: +1 (509) 853-4710
Email: info@opalapples.com
www.opalapples.com
Five Star Gourmet Food
Tel: +1 (909) 390-0032
Email:info@fivestargourmetfoods.com
www.fivestargourmetfoods.com