FRESNO – The California Table Grape Growers has helped raise over $60,000 in support of the Central California Food Bank, resulting in the CCFB being able to provide thousands of meals for those in need.
In the month of October, the California Table Grape Commission decided to collaborate with the Central California Food Bank. As announced on Nov. 24 by the commission, following a two-week long donation campaign, there were over $60,000 raised to give support to food distributions in Fresno, Kern and Tulare counties.
“With final donations reaching over $60,000, CCFB will be able to provide more than 240,000 meals throughout these significant agriculture communities,” Ian LeMay, president of the commission, said in the announcement.
The funds that were raised by the fundraising campaign will support the Central California Food Bank Farmworker Community Partnership Program, which will bring food and other resources to rural agricultural communities that may not have easy access to other food distributions.
“The public and California table grape growers gave generously to this campaign,” said LeMay.
The fundraising campaign was developed by the commission and Central California Food Bank to recognize California Farmer and Farmworker Month. This recognizes the hard work that farmers and farmworkers do while ensuring communities throughout the Central Valley have access to food.
During the campaign, the commission team also volunteered time at CCFB, bagging fresh produce bound for food distribution throughout the Central Valley.
According to the table grapes commission, food insecurity rates are reportedly higher in the Central Valley, compared to the national average. Fundraising campaigns, such as this one, directly address this issue.
The commission, on behalf of California table grape growers, partnering with CCFB helps stretch donation dollars even further to have a greater impact on food insecurity.
