NEWARK, Del.(FNS) -- Following the Fresh Summit '98 Convention & Exposition in New Orleans sponsored by the Produce Marketing Association, here, exhibitors donated surplus produce to Second Harvest food banks in the southeast region.
Last year, exhibiting companies donated 278,340 pounds of produce to Anaheim, Calif.-area efforts to feed the hungry. This year, an estimated 280,000 pounds will be donated.
"This will be the largest single-day donation and distribution of produce in Second Harvest's history," said Martha Pickett, interim president and chief executive officer of Chicago-based Second Harvest. "Through our partnership with PMA, numerous hungry Americans will now have access to the essential nutrients that produce items provide."
To store and sort the produce for distribution, Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling Company donated its warehouse in Gretna, La. This additional space allowed Second Harvest to collect and distribute the Exposition's food donation within a 24-hour period.
"Our association, exhibitors and members have a long tradition of contributing health and delicious produce to Second Harvest food banks," said PMA Chairman Dave Eldredge, vice president of sales and marketing, Tanimura & Antle, Salinas, Calif. "This significant donation is a highly visible sign for our members' ongoing commitment to those in need. As an exhibitor, I'm so proud to contribute to the efforts of Second Harvest in feeding our nation's hungry."
Floral exhibitors were donating their items to New Orleans- area charities, hospitals and senior-citizen homes.
