Produce for the People

Produce for the People rescues edible, but not sellable fresh produce from local wholesalers and retailers. This program helps decrease the amount of fresh produce entering the region's waste stream while simultaneously increasing the volume and variety of fresh produce available to Western Washington food banks and meal programs.

Process:
Produce for the People drivers are dispatched each morning to make regularly scheduled pick-ups and respond to donation calls. A variety of produce is collected and delivered to a redistribution site where agencies come the same day to pick up their share. Agencies display and distribute the produce to their clients.

Donors:
Local produce wholesalers and retailers.

Safety & Liability:
Produce is carefully transported under operational guidelines approved by the Seattle/King County Health Department. Donors are protected from liability under the Federal "Good Samaritan" law.

History:
Produce for the People began as a pilot project in December 1997 and was immediately a success. Food bank staff are very pleased with the program because of the amount of wholesome, nutritious food they can now give to their clients. The program currently distributes 1.7 million pounds of produce a year.

To Donate to the Produce for the People program:
To make a donation to this program, please contact us by email or by calling (206) 545-6600, ext. 231.