Another feel-good story as part of our GOOD NEWS series.
Here’s a reason to smile! When PMA Fresh Summit takes place in New Orleans next week, tons of produce will be donated to local and regional food banks.
It’s a win/win, with the produce displays showing attendees just how stellar the industry is in producing and distributing product in this country and around the world. And just as importantly, Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans is working with PMA exhibitors to help folks in need in that area.
Last year, according to PMA, exhibitors donated more than 258,815 pounds of produce to food banks. Tons, literally, of food reaching individuals and families. According to Megan Nuismer, Second Harvest Food Bank Food Sourcing Specialist, the organization is anticipating more than 300,000 pounds of produce this year. Megan told us that translates to approximately 270,000 meal equivalents.
The donation process is simple: Exhibitors wanting to contribute can mark the product that they would like to donate with the provided Food Bank stickers. As the show progresses, any product properly labeled by exhibitors will be delivered to the food bank on a daily basis beginning on Friday.
Food bank stickers can be obtained from the GES Servicenter, from a PMA Floor Manager, or from the Show Management Office.
The instruction say to label all donated product and place it in the aisle in front of your booth. Important: On show days, please do not place donated product in the aisle until after show hours.
And at 5 p.m. on Saturday, prepare your donated product for pick-up. Please do not place your donated product in the aisles until the carpet is removed.
Instruction also caution that if you place Food Bank stickers on loose product (not boxed) in the aisles or in your booth, you may be charged an hourly labor packing and removal fee.
Also, be aware that product not removed from refrigerated storage by noon on Saturday will automatically be donated to the food bank. If you need your product removed for outbound shipping, you must notify the GES Servicenter before noon on Saturday.
If you have questions, contact Megan at (504) 729-6338 or by email at mnuismer@secondharvest.org.
