Produce industry donates more than 17,000 pounds to the Food Bank for Monterey County

At a time when childhood obesity rates are continuously increasing, the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in homes across America couldn’t be more important. The fresh produce industry showed their commitment to alleviating the tragic statistics this past weekend with a 17,141-pound donation to the Food Bank of Monterey County after the annual PMA Foodservice Conference and Expo.

“Here in Monterey County over 20 percent of the population struggles with hunger, including 1 in 4 children,” says Melissa Kendrick, executive director of the Food Bank for Monterey County. “As the ‘Salad bowl of America,’ we could not accomplish what we do without the generous support of the ag community in our fight against hunger.”

The show's exhibitors have been donating fresh produce to the county for more than 15 years.

“The produce industry is in a unique position to give back,” said Barbara Keckler, marketing manager for Potandon Produce and PMA Exhibitor Advisory Committee member. “The exhibitors who came together to donate fresh, healthy product to those in need did a good thing this weekend, and I’m proud to know it’ll make a difference in Monterey County.”

For more information about The Food Bank for Monterey County, visit www.foodbankformontereycounty.org.