With the growing awareness of the link between nutrition and health, Second Harvest has committed to increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables available to clients year-round. Our Produce Program works with the agriculture and produce industry, as well as organizations such as the Society of St. Andrew and the Florida Association of Food Banks to distribute 3,274,061 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Over the last several years, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has received and distributed more than 15 million pounds of donated, locally grown surplus produce. But while the number of pounds collected has increased, so has the need for this fresh, nutritious food.
Our Fresh Fruits and Vegetables initiative works closely with farmers, growers, shippers, packers, and distributors to collect excess produce, efficiently and effectively. This product is then distributed through our network of agencies like food shelves, soup kitchens and a variety of other programs that serve those in need including children and the elderly.
By working together we are pioneering new ways to reduce waste, better utilizing resources available in this land of plenty and helping to bring more food to those in our community who are hungry.
How You Can Help
Watch for donation opportunities, share information with your associates and vendors or participate by doing any of the following:
Surplus produce: If you find yourself with extra vegetables or fruit that you are unable to sell or won’t be able to use, we ask that you consider donating them.
Less-than-perfect produce: Donate less-than-ideal food that is still perfectly edible to our neighbors in need.
Land: Dedicate extra land to grow fresh food for food banks.
Donation Facts
No donation is too small.
No donation is too large. We accept bulk shipments and will also pick up from your location.
We accept fresh produce.
With our distribution network we can respond quickly to capture your donation.
Donations made in good faith are protected from liability by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act which was signed into law on October 1, 1996.