Rescuing Thousands of Pounds of Produce
That Would Otherwise Go To Waste
On Monday, March 12, members and guests of Ventura Rotary South learned the remarkable story behind Food Forward, a non-profit organization that rescues 300,000 pounds of surplus produce each week from fruit trees, farmers markets, and the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market. Jill Santos (pictured above), the Ventura County Branch Manager of Food Forward, explained that 100% of these fresh fruits and vegetables is donated to over 300 hunger relief agencies across eight counties in Southern California.
"In the United States," said Jill, "one in six people lack access to nutritious food. Those below the poverty line frequently rely on inexpensive, high-calorie fast food that lacks nutritive value." That's where Food Forward steps in.
Jill stressed that the organization relies on volunteers who are willing to harvest and/or pick up surplus produce from public and private properties, including backyard fruit trees. Farmers wanting to help fight hunger make their unsold produce available, and it is also groups of volunteers who pick up and help distribute these fruits and vegetables.
"The mission of Food Forward is very simple," said Jill. "It is to fight hunger and prevent food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people in need, and inspiring others to do the same."
If you find yourself inspired by this story, visit foodforward.org or call Jill at 805-630-2728 to get involved or to learn more.