With plummeting foodservice sales across the country, Pro*Act’s distributors and their restaurant customers are delivering boxes containing a week’s worth of produce directly to consumers.
The service works through foodservice outlets, online ordering and curbside pickup, according to a news release.
“This has been an unprecedented time of uncertainty across the country,” Pro*Act chief operating officer Brian Kane said in the release. “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.”
Customers can order pre-packed boxes of fruit or vegetables that will feed a family of four for a week and can receive the boxes at their vehicle outside restaurants and distributor facilities.
Pro*Act distributors also have donated produce to hospital employees, food banks, and underserved communities, according to the release.
In Las Vegas, hit by widespread foodservice closures and layoffs, the produce box program is popular.
Las Vegas Pro*Act distributor Get Fresh is working with Rachel’s Kitchen, Wahoo’s and other customers, according to the release.
“Partnering with our foodservice community to bring customers these fresh produce boxes has been a win for everyone,” Andy Hamilton, vice president of business development for Get Fresh, said in the release. “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.”
Along with direct-to-consumer options, Pro*Act has partnered with many distributors to provide bulk order opportunities for senior facilities, churches, food banks and other community organizations, according to the release.
Jorge Vasquez, with Medley, Fla.-based distributor Freedom Fresh, has redirected business from cruise ships to consumer produce boxes and 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,” he said in the release.
“We’re glad we are meeting a need during what has been a challenging time for everyone,” David Guzman, with Family Tree Produce, Anaheim, Calif., said in the release. “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.”
Consumers can order produce boxes from Pro*Act distributors, and give money for produce donations to charities, at https://produceboxdirect.com/.
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