CARPINTERIA, CA - Hollandia Produce, a long-time supporter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and local food banks has donated yet again to help hungry families in need. Hollandia has provided food for Ventura FOOD Share and donated nearly 100,000 heads of its signature living butter lettuce and living watercress to the Santa Barbara Food Bank. 

“We believe strongly in giving back to our community,” said Pete Overgaag, Hollandia Produce CEO. Programs like FFA and the Food Bank are instrumental in shaping our industry and future in a positive way. If we can lend a hand along the way, we’re happy to do it.”

At the recent Ventura County Fair Live Stock Auction, Hollandia Founder Art Overgaag placed the winning bid for Alfonso Perez’s hog, which was then immediately donated to the Ventura FOOD Share, a non-profit food bank. Perez, a 16 year old Carpentaria High School student and an active member of the FFA, raised the hog he named “Boots” for the last five months and found solace in knowing the animal will help feed needy families. 

“I was placed in the program [FFA] initially, but then I quickly discovered it was my passion,” said Perez. “It’s a great program and it really teaches me about responsibility. We are told early on not to get attached to the animals, but I did. So, today it was sad and hard to let go.”

Perez said in a press release that he will use the proceeds from the sale to help fund his future college education.

FOOD Share owns and operates 26,482 square feet of warehouse space including a 1,176 foot cooler and 1,176 square foot freezer, one loading dock and 15 trucks. For every day of operation, FOOD Share processes over 31,000 pounds of donated food. 

Hollandia Produce FOOD Share