National Produce Program

The National Produce Program, formerly known as the Fresh Foods Initiative, provides services which enable more than 200 food banks around the United States to distribute fresh produce to their clients. The program is operated by Feeding America and reaches all food banks within their national network. The work of food banks is essential in serving the one in six Americans who struggle with food insecurity.

The program partners with growers, packers and industry experts to locate sources of bulk quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables. Value Added Processing ensures that food banks receive the produce in manageable portions and packages. Moreover, this strategy guarantees the produce is kept fresh for consumption by the client. Integral to this program are Rapid Food Distribution grants and transportation subsidies which lower the cost of transporting perishable foods to food banks. The National Produce Program also obtains food from retailers. Local food banks can contact Feeding America and become recipients of fresh produce through their network.

To increase the amount of fresh produce and nutritious foods that are distributed to local food banks across the United States through the Feeding America network.

In 2008, nearly 350 million pounds of fresh produce were distributed through the network. Currently, an average of 2.2 million pounds of produce are delivered each week to local food banks.