National Produce Program

To increase the network's capacity to handle fresh foods, America's Second Harvest has established the National Produce Program.  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 we track. 

This program offers a comprehensive array of services built around securing and distributing fresh produce throughout the America's Second Harvest Network.

• Partnerships with growers, packers, and industry experts help America’s Second Harvest 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
• Store pick-up programs facilitate the donation of fresh foods from retailers 

Because of the National Produce Program, more nutritious foods are being distributed to hungry people through our network than ever before.   

Fast Facts

•  The America’s Second Harvest Network delivers an average of 2.2 million pounds of fresh produce each week comprised of donations and Value Added Processing items.
•  In 2005, 311 million pounds of fresh produce was distributed through the network.

For more information about the National Produce Program, please contact Rick Bella, Director of Purchasing and VAP at 312.641.6507.