International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), with the generosity of Global Produce & Floral Show exhibitors, has donated 226,227 lbs. of fresh, quality produce and 30,000 lbs. of flowers and plants to the local Orange County and Los Angeles Community.

The annual show, which attracts exhibitors from across the produce and floral supply chain, has established partnerships with food banks in host cities. Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is a member of Feeding America.

"We greatly value the partnerships we have with local organizations that help us to rescue and deliver produce, floral, and compost to benefit the communities that welcome our show each year," said IFPA director of trade shows, Kyle McMillan. "We're grateful for our exhibitors and their generosity and for our local colleagues who do such important work supporting the communities who welcome our show each year."

The donations cannot be collected and delivered without a core group of professionals and volunteers. Compost and floral are gleaned by professional partners on site and Second Harvest brings together and trains volunteers who rescue, pack and transport the produce donations as soon as the show ends. This year's donation was so generous, show partner, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County was also able to share produce with LA Regional Food Bank.

"Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is honored to continue our strategic partnership with IFPA at this year's Global Produce & Floral Show, said Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County CEO, Claudia Bonilla Keller. "We're grateful for the exhibitors and IFPA members for their donations which ensures fresh fruits and vegetables reach those in our community who need it most including children, families and seniors."

This year's floral donation was bigger than ever before with over 60 community partners signing up to receive floral donations of loose stems, potted plants, bouquets and more. These partners included organizations that support seniors, veterans, children with visual impairments and their families, and the healthcare professionals and volunteers working in the community. IFPA member, That Flower Feeling, also hosted a consumer giveaway at The Grove, a bustling promenade in Los Angeles, to spread the joy of flowers.

IFPA implemented a robust back of house waste sorting operation after the show which helped to maximize the collection of green waste for composting, and also additional waste streams for soft plastics, cardboard and single stream recycling.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com