Project FoodBox works with NFL player to bring produce to community

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams is lending his support for Project FoodBox. The organization sources, packages and distributes boxes of fresh produce directly from farmers to communities in need, according to a news release.

Project FoodBox has delivered over 4.5 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need through its network of health care companies, food banks, faith-based organizations and other nonprofits, the group said in the release.

The NFL player will highlight the Project FoodBox mission to promote access to fresh, nutritious produce in vulnerable populations, the release said.

“Where I grew up, we didn’t always have access to the things you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Adams, a native of East Palo Alto, Calif., said in the release. “I’m in a really fortunate position now to be able to help address those disparities. I believe everyone deserves nutritious, fresh foods and programs like Project FoodBox make that possible.”

Adams, who currently lives and works in Las Vegas, visited Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas on July 21, meeting with employees and members of the community and helping to stock and distribute fresh produce, the release said. He announced that he will feature Project FoodBox, honoring California- and Nevada-based food banks, as his chosen cause and beneficiary of his league’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative, which promotes and raises funds for causes important to players, the release said.

Adams will personally help design special cleats featuring Project FoodBox, which he will wear in a designated game this season.

“Having someone like Davante Adams in our corner, raising awareness for what we do, will make a real difference in our ability to bring Produce to the People,” Steve Brazeel, founder of Project FoodBox and CEO of SunTerra Produce, said in the release. “Together with Davante, we’re making important progress in access to healthy, nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables which in turn helps to address larger health disparities.” 

Launched in 2020, Newport Beach, Calif.-based Project FoodBox connects farmers with food banks, community organizations and health care partners, reaching those who struggle with chronic health conditions and nutrition insecurity. Project FoodBox has developed an innovative sourcing and distribution model comprised of more than 250 farms, creating a new market channel in the U.S. food system, the release said.

Project FoodBox works in partnership with Elevated Foods, sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables from a network of growers who are implementing new technologies and processes, helping their operations become more efficient and resilient. Elevated Foods was recently awarded a $20 million grant as part of the USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities program.

“Access to fresh fruits and vegetables in our country exists not because there is a shortage of product, but because we require infrastructure to help food banks and similar organizations source and distribute that food,” Brazeel said. “We are honored and thankful that Davante is lending his time and voice to that effort, and grateful for his league’s support through My Cause My Cleats.”

Adams has demonstrated a consistent commitment to addressing inequality of access to health resources, including supporting hunger-relief charities and creating free public fitness resources in his hometown of East Palo Alto, the release said.