Military Produce Group (MPG) was awarded a contract to participate in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Within a week, they began partnering with the USDA in providing families with a healthy option to stay nourished during this global pandemic. Wholesome fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from U.S. farms are included in each box of produce that are supplied through this program.

The boxes are approximately 24 pounds and contain, but are not limited to, apples, peaches, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, peppers and cabbage. All rounding out a colorful and appealing assortment of fresh produce.

The produce boxes have been delivered from distribution centers to over 80 locations in six states! Along with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, food shelters were contacted that were able to accept 50-unit pallets at their individual locations. Some of the folks that have help assist MPG are:

  • The Food Bank of CENC
  • Food Bank of the Albemarle
  • Think Kingdom Church
  • Nehemiah Church
  • Jones County Rise
  • Summit Church
  • Plymouth Housing Authority

Additionally, there have been larger organizations such as Convoy of Hope and World Vision that have provided many sites in North Carolina for food-box distribution. Lastly, Baptist on Mission has been incredible to work with and have helped deliver produce to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and locations throughout the state.

As of July 27, MPG has shipped 82,422 fresh produce boxes to North Carolina in support of the Farmers to Families program. This equates to 1,976,479 pounds of fresh produce made available to communities in need. This operation would not be the success it is without the hard work and dedication from each person involved in the process of delivering these boxes to communities in need. It has truly exemplified what it means to come together as a team to make a positive impact on people’s lives during a time of need.

After following up with some of the delivery locations, Military Produce Group has received wonderful feedback from the communities and volunteers. Recipients from a distribution event at Macedonia New Life Church in Raleigh were “gleaming with joy as the boxes practically flew off the truck” and complimented how “sweet and delicious” the peaches were. With new orders being placed daily, these organizations are demonstrating to us not only a want for these produce boxes, but a real and actual need within the community. With fresh produce in high demand and in short supply for so many families, we are doing our part to contribute what we can to help make a difference. We look forward to continuing this rewarding program and bringing these communities quality fruits and vegetables to sustain proper nutrition during these trying times. Thanks to the USDA Farmers to Families program and the hard work of everyone involved, we have been able to help make our communities happier and heathier during a global pandemic.

Military Produce Group is a premier provider of fresh fruits and vegetables for the Defense Commissary Agency. They have proudly served the armed forces community for two decades providing wholesome choices, premium quality, and nutritious solutions for the military family. Their experience and operational capacity ensure we are well equipped to support American families and food banks during this time of crisis.

Bruce Whitehead, Retail Marketing Specialist