In the US, the fresh produce industry has showed its commitment to alleviating existing obesity statistics with a 17,141-pound donation to the Food Bank of Monterey County after the annual PMA Foodservice Conference and Expo.
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, and it is this that the donation hopes to address.
One-fifth of the population of Monterey County now receives food assistance – 90,000 residents annually, up from 55,300 in 2005, according to reports produced by the food bank.
“Here in Monterey County over 20 per cent of the population struggles with hunger, including one in four children,” explained 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 as a result of the show 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.”
