COVID-19 healthcare workers gifted $1M in fresh produce

Produce companies are sending more than $1 million worth of fresh fruits and vegetables to healthcare responders on the front lines.

The initiative, Feeding Our Frontlines, was created in collaboration with distributor PRO*ACT to show appreciation and gratitude to healthcare heroes for their courageous efforts on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis, according to a press release from Driscoll’s.

More than 35,000 boxes filled with fresh fruit and vegetables are being distributed to healthcare establishments so employees can take repacked boxes of produce home at the end of a long shift, according to the release. The roughly 12- to 15-pound box can feed a family of four for up to a week.

The first donation of 300 boxes was delivered to Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) in Manhattan where the amazing staff is working around the clock to provide safe and exceptional care to patients, even after multiple staff members dealt with Covid-19 infections. Their efforts are recognized on social media through #MSKHealthcareHeroes.

Distribution of the produce will be prioritized to the hospitals that are at the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis including New York Presbyterian, Johns Hopkins, Massachusetts General, and hospitals in 16 other states, according to the release. Driscoll’s, the leader in fresh berries was the first company to commit more than $350,000 in berry donations to this initiative. Additional produce companies that are contributing to the effort include Sunkist, Taylor Farms, Dole, Mission, Rainier, Wada Farms, Mann Packing and Grimmway Farms.

“We’re pleased that members of the produce industry have been committing resources during this time of need,” said J. Miles Reiter, Chairman and CEO of Driscoll’s. “We are all working together to ensure communities are supported and we’d like to recognize the extraordinary healthcare efforts by giving back where we can.”

Growers, farmworkers, transportation providers and grocers are considered essential workers and we are all are proud to contribute to the U.S. economy, according to the release.

“Our distributors, suppliers and employees are thankful for this tangible way to support healthcare employees at the end of long, stressful shift,” PRO*ACT COO Brian Kane said in the release. “The last thing we want is for them to worry about providing for their families during their daily battles on the frontline.”

Distribution of the Produce Boxes will be focused on the cities hit hardest with COVID-19. To learn more about Produce Partners, our mission, and to find a way to support, distribute, or bring donations to your hospital visit www.producepartners.org.