Organizations host symposium focused hunger alleviation programs

Bayer Vegetable Seeds, along with collaborators Community Food Share, Food Forward Inc. and International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), hosted a joint symposium focused on fresh produce in hunger relief organizations to help address the challenge of getting fruits and vegetables to families that need them.

The group of industry experts came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities hunger relief organizations face, specifically as it relates to incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into their programs.

“Today’s symposium underscores the vital role of collaboration in tackling food insecurity. Our top priority is ensuring that our community members have access to nutritious food,” said Kim Da Silva, CEO for Community Food Share. “With industry leaders and hunger relief organizations joining forces to ensure every family has access to nutritious fruits and vegetables, we’re not just addressing immediate needs but laying the groundwork for lasting solutions.”

Food insecurity affects every county in the U.S. The most recent numbers show that over 44 million people, including one in five children, faced hunger. To combat this issue, hunger relief organizations such as food banks, pantries, community groups and growers collaborate to address food insecurity. In 2023, these organizations assisted 49 million people, 14.7% of the US population.

“Our commitment to recovering and redistributing surplus fresh fruits and vegetables at scale directly supports the goal of ending hunger and building healthier communities,” said Rick Nahmias, founder and CEO of Food Forward. “By expanding our reach, we can ensure that more people and more families throughout Southern California and across the region have access to the nutrition they need and deserve, while also making a tangible difference in the environmental impact of food loss.”

Inci Dannenberg, president of Bayer Vegetable Seeds, sits on the Board of the IFPA and the Foundation for Fresh Produce.

“At Bayer, we are continuing our collaboration with all facets of the food system to identify challenges and opportunities to introduce more fruits and vegetables into diets,” said Dannenberg. “This symposium was a great step to focus on hunger relief organizations and the role they play.”

Community Food Share is the Feeding America food bank dedicated to combating hunger in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. For more information, visit communityfoodshare.org.

Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people experiencing food insecurity, and inspiring others to do the same. For more information, visit foodforward.org.