The closures of restaurants, hotels, and schools have left growers with heaps of fresh produce without a destination. With crops often grown exclusively for the foodservice industry, growers who produce crops with a large percentage of production destined for this vital market segment are faced with incredible challenges amidst COVID-19 closures. 

We’re continuing to work on the simultaneous priorities to support you in keeping the fresh produce supply chain moving, and driving financial relief for those most affected by this crisis.

In disruptive times we often see the most creative and empathetic solutions rise to the surface. Across the country, fresh produce growers are donating food to feed their communities, fresh produce distributors are developing new models to redirect their restaurant business while also supporting local food banks, shelters and other essential businesses, and school nutrition professionals are still providing meals to millions of students on a daily basis, ensuring access to healthy foods while school is closed.

I want to focus on the emergency relief package that is progressing toward final agreement in Washington, DC. While not a done deal until final passage by the House and Senate with the President’s signature, the basic agreement reached is essential to shoring up companies throughout our supply chain that have been hit the hardest by the shutdown of the out-of-home foodservice channel. That includes growers, shippers and distributors alike.