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After numerous industry questions and an exchange of letters between national trade associations and the USDA, Tom Stenzel believes it is time to focus on the positives of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

Atlanta-based Royal Food Service Co. has been awarded a maximum $465 million contract to supply for fresh fruits and vegetables to Georgia military and school customers.

With a price tag of $1.22 billion and hundreds of contracts, the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program is a massive endeavor to move fresh produce and other foods to needy families through food banks.

The USDA now has the authority under the Defense Production Act to help prevent supply interruptions at FDA-regulated food facilities, including farms, packinghouses and fresh-cut processing facilities.

A bipartisan bill has been introduced that would give tax credits to offset uncollectable foodservice sector debt incurred as a direct result of the COVID-19 shutdown.

Communication is the essential first step in dealing with foodservice staffing and labor challenges, according to Alex DiNovo.

The 2020 Produce Marketing Association Foodservice: Delivered conference brought attendees from more than 40 different countries together for virtual networking and education sessions.

Fresh Direct Produce Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, has acquired organic produce distributor Mike and Mike’s Inc.

Members of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council 2020 Apprentice Class continue to learn about the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, recently attending virtual tours.

Hopes were running high among fresh produce foodservice distributors, food banks and other nonprofit groups that may benefit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families food box program.