National Produce Program

Feeding America established the National Produce Program to increase the network's capacity to handle fresh foods. This program, previously known as the Fresh Foods Initiative, has grown substantially over the past few years and has become the number one category of food that we distribute.   

This program offers a comprehensive array of services built around securing and distributing fresh produce throughout the Feeding America network of more than 200 food banks.  If you have a need for fresh produce, please use the function on this website to locate a food bank member closest to you. 

How the Program Works

• Partnerships with growers, packers, and industry experts help Feeding America identify and secure bulk nutritious sources of fresh fruits and vegetables. 
  
• Value Added Processing enables food banks to accept and distribute these bulk foods in manageable, portion-size packaging most commonly found in supermarkets and other retailers.  It also allows us to capture fresh produce in at an earlier time in the supply chain, meaning that we get fresh product.   
  
• This program also allows for our network to offer fresh produce on a consistent basis, which assists the many agencies our network serves.
  
• Rapid Food Distribution grants and refrigerated transportation subsidies lower costs of transporting perishable foods making the purchase of fresh produce affordable for our members.  
  
• Store pick-up programs facilitate the donation of fresh foods from retailers.
  
• Donations are presented to our national office from many sources across the U.S.  These donation loads are shipped to members using a transportation subsidy provided by many corporate partners.   
  
• Because of the National Produce Program, more nutritious foods are being distributed to people through our network than ever before.    

Fast Facts

• The Feeding America network delivers an average of 2.2 million pounds of fresh produce each  week, comprised of donations and Value Added Processing items. 
  

• In 2008, nearly 350 million pounds of fresh produce was distributed through the network.

For more information about the National Produce Program, please email James Borys, Produce Program Buyer/Manager or call 312.641.6507.

Support this and other programs by making a donation  or to learn more about making a gift, please contact Katie Williams at 312.641.6642 .