MONTEREY, CA - As our industry grapples with the effects of COVID-19, PRO*ACT distributors are tackling a new strategy as a means to better serve their communities. Recently, PRO*ACT announced that it is offering Direct-to-Consumer produce boxes through partnerships with foodservice outlets, online ordering, and curbside pickup.

"This has been an unprecedented time of uncertainty across the country," said PRO*ACT Chief Operating Officer Brian Kane. "We are bringing a degree of certainty in keeping our communities nourished and safe; these produce boxes are meeting that need in a real, tangible way."

PRO*ACT distributors have also been donating to their communities in the form of produce for hospital staff, food banks, and underserved communities, in addition to allowing the public to sponsor a box for at-risk members. A press release noted that in communities hit by foodservice closures and layoffs, keeping restaurants open by partnering with them on a produce box program has proved effective, including in Las Vegas where Get Fresh is working with partners like Rachel's Kitchen and Wahoo's.

“Partnering with our foodservice community to bring customers these fresh produce boxes has been a win for everyone,” stated Andy Hamilton, Vice President of Business Development, Get Fresh. "We are supporting restaurants who are staying open for takeout by offering customers a place to pick up a box of fresh produce while avoiding crowds and long grocery store lines."

In addition to the direct-to-consumer options, PRO*ACT is partnering with many distributors to provide bulk order opportunities at senior facilities, churches, food banks, and other community organizations.

In Miami, at Freedom Fresh, Jorge Vazquez, President, has his company pivoting from daily truckloads of produce for cruise ships to a steady stream of cars in their parking lot for produce box pickups, alongside bulk deliveries to hospitals.

"These produce boxes have met a need with families, especially our at-risk community, as they've been looking for ways to bring fresh, nourishing food to their table while staying as isolated as possible,” Vazquez explained.

For Seashore Produce, serving the New Jersey and New York region, and Family Tree Produce in Los Angeles, providing a way for people to stay both nourished and socially distant in the middle of metropolitan areas is one way they're working to contain the crisis.

"We're glad we are meeting a need during what has been a challenging time for everyone," shared Family Tree's David Guzman, Part Owner. "We're stronger when we each can do our part, and for the PRO*ACT family of distributors, this has just been an extension of our values."

Thank you to all in our industry who are working so hard to support each other during this time!

PRO*ACT