Our produce initiative is based on an understanding of the crucial role fruits and vegetables play in promoting health and reducing diet-related illnesses. Many low-income residents of San Francisco and Marin can’t afford fresh produce or live in neighborhoods without easy access to healthy food.
Last year, as much as 3,340,509 pounds of potatoes and 3,220,750 pounds of apples, and millions of pounds of apples, pears, pomegranates, tomatoes, and squash was distributed. The produce varies with the seasons. In fact, over sixty percent of the food we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables.
How is all this possible? About two decades ago, we started “Farm to Family” by partnering with farmers in the Central Valley to include farm-fresh produce in our inventory. Today, the program is state-wide, and we receive tractor-trailer loads of fresh produce from farmers across California. Due to the program’s success, Food Banks throughout the country also receive fresh produce through this initiative.
