After nearly six months of donating fresh produce to low income Philadelphians, Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market and Sharing Excess have provided 2 million pounds of food to the community.
With food insecurity continuing to impact 38 million Americans a year and 20 percent of Philadelphians, the organizations remain committed to making unsold produce that would otherwise be thrown away, available to people in Philadelphia through food pantries.
"We are so proud of the over two million pounds of food we have diverted from landfills since the partnership with Sharing Excess began," said Mark Smith, general manager of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, in a statement. "Our mission is to deliver fresh and healthy produce to people, and this project is just another way we are making that happen.”
The partnership began in July 2021 and boasts a yield rate of 91.2 percent. Sharing Excess has worked with 18 of the produce vendors to bring food to four major food banks, 70 community organizations, Philadelphia homes, food pantries, community fridges, hospitals, and senior homes.
"I founded Sharing Excess to help eliminate food insecurity in our community," said Evan Ehlers, executive director and founder of Sharing Excess, in a statement. "Working with the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market is increasing our impact, and improving the quality of produce for families across the region.”
Related: Retailer Q&A: Supporting Local Charities; Fresh Thyme Donation Benefits School-Based Program.