United Fresh Donates Produce to Greater Chicago Food DepositoryUnited Fresh Donates Produce to Greater Chicago Food Depository

The United Fresh Produce Association donated 51,042 pounds of produce and 641 pounds of assorted dry food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository at the conclusion of the United Fresh 2016 annual Convention and Expo, which was held in Chicago June 20-22. Volunteers collect donations from the convention floor to benefit those in need serviced by Greater Chicago Food Depository partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding centers.

"United Fresh and exhibitors at the show are proud to support the Feeding America network of food banks," says John Toner, United Fresh, vice president of convention and industry relations. “Fresh produce is an important part of a healthy diet and the donation highlights how the industry is helping those in need each and every day.”

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a member of the Feeding America network of food banks. This year’s total donation of 51,710 pounds continues a United Fresh tradition of supporting the Feeding America network after the annual convention.

“For many hungry men, women and children in our community, access to nutritious produce is not a guarantee,” says Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “But, this generous donation from the United Fresh Produce Association, its exhibitors and partners will help the Food Depository provide much needed fruit and vegetables to our neighbors in need. Thank you to the United Fresh Produce Association and Feeding America for their support in the fight against hunger.” 

The Food Depository, founded in 1979, makes a daily impact across Cook County with a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile programs, children’s programs, older adult programs and innovative responses that address the root causes of hunger. Last year, the Food Depository distributed 68 million pounds of shelf-stable food, fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 155,000 meals every day. 

“Feeding America is extremely grateful to the United Fresh Produce Association, their exhibitor donors, Freeman Company, and all food bank staff and volunteers for their efforts to rescue thousands of pounds of fresh produce from United Fresh 2016,” says Don Harris, director of produce for Feeding America. “Fresh and nutritious produce is really prized by our food banks and those we serve, so we are really pleased with the great effort everyone has made to provide this donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.”

With a network of 200-member food banks across the country, Feeding America supplies more the 3.7 billion meals to 46.5 million people annually.