Apr 27, 2023
Viva Fresh donates 20,000 pounds of produce to Dallas food bank

The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has again partnered with a Dallas area food bank to help close the hunger gap.

At the conclusion of the Viva Fresh Expo in early April, TIPA members contributed 21,806 pounds of fresh produce to the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) of Plano, Texas.

This generous donation would not be possible without the approximately 200 fresh fruit and vegetable growers, shippers, and importers that exhibit at the Viva Fresh Expo, VIVA Fresh officials said in a news release. This fresh produce donation will help fight food insecurity in the region and be distributed through NTFB’s network of more than 400 partner agencies.

“Our organization and industry members work tirelessly to grow and ship the healthy fruits and vegetables that end up in stores and on our tables,” Dante Galeazzi, TIPA CEO, said in the release. “By making this donation, not only are we able to evoke positive change, we’re also able to meet the needs of a community experiencing an unprecedented level of food insecurity.”

North Texas ranks as the fifth most food insecure region in the nation. Approximately 700,000 north Texans face food insecurity – including 1 in 5 children. The NTFB is dedicated to creating a hunger-free, healthy north Texans. Thanks to donations and fundraisers, the food bank provides access to nutritious meals to families, children, and seniors in its 13-county service area. Last year, NTFB served a record 137 million meals, which highlighted the continued need.

“The North Texas Food Bank is proud to be a dedicated provider of food for those in need and this fresh produce donation is a welcome gift that allows us to offer many fresh produce offerings our families may not have typical access to,” Mike Robinson, NTFB’s director of food sourcing, said in the release. “Our mission to close the hunger gap in north Texas by providing access to nutritious food continues to be an exciting possibility thanks to the generosity of organizations like the Texas International Produce Association and their grower members.

TIPA started the Viva Fresh Produce Expo in 2015 to create meaningful networking and educational opportunities for its members while shining a light on the importance of the Rio Grande Valley as an emerging trade corridor and production zone for healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables throughout the year.

Founded in 1942, TIPA promotes, advocates, educates and represents the nearly $8 billion in fresh produce that is either grown in the state or calls Texas the first point of U.S. arrival for North American distribution.

The NTFB is a top-ranked non-profit hunger-relief organization that sources, packages and distributes food through a network of more than 400 partner agencies and organizations across 13 north Texas counties. The organization also provides food to children, seniors and families through various direct-delivery programs, including mobile pantries.

NTFB is ranked 87th on Forbes 2022 Top 100 Charities in America. In response to the region’s ongoing elevated hunger crisis, NTFB has launched a $500 million campaign, Nourish North Texas, to provide more food for today and hope for tomorrow by addressing the barriers to food security. NTFB is designated a 4-Star Exceptional organization by Charity Navigator based on its governance, integrity and financial stability. NTFB is a partner of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization.




Current Issue

VGN April Cover

Insect Eavesdropper allows growers to “hear” what’s happening in fields

Managing wildlife on the farm

Southwest Florida’s Worden Farm manages challenges

Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association says farewell to leader

Southeast Regional Show recognizes leaders

Veg Connections: Biopesticides and beneficial insects

Business: Why do most succession plans fail?

60 years of advocating for agricultural employers

Keeping CSA members engaged and loyal

see all current issue »

Be sure to check out our other specialty agriculture brands

produceprocessingsm Organic Grower