FOOD BOX PROGRAM

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

The United States Department of Agriculture is exercising authority under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to purchase and distribute up to $3 billion of agricultural products to those in need, partnering with regional and local distributors, like Ag Link out of Ballico, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and meat to fill food boxes. Items from the program are then provided to food banks, community and faith-based organizations and other nonprofits.

“It feels great to help,” Ag Link owner Rob Nairn said. “The program isn’t just helping families in need, but it’s also helping distributors and farmers. The intent of this is to help everybody in the supply chain and get the economy stimulated again.”

In May, hundreds of boxes were distributed at Turlock school sites. Some of the produce in the boxes included stone fruit from Sierra Sun in Sanger, tomatoes from Lipman Family Farms in Stockton, onions and potatoes from Onions, Etc. in Stockton and sweet potatoes from Doreva Produce in Livingston.

TUSD Director of Child Nutrition Jennifer LewVang said she jumped at the opportunity for the district to once again lead the way when it comes to feeding families. In 2015, TUSD was selected to be a part of the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program and received the very first pallet of oranges from a local farmer. Five years later, the district is still utilizing local products as the first to receive the USDA Farmers to Families food boxes on the West Coast.

“This is a great opportunity that is like a continuation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program that provides fresh, local produce to our children,

ANGELINA MARTIN/The Journal

Cathy Ford helps hand out food boxes distributed at Wakefield Elementary School in May.

but also adds the benefit to support local farmers during unprecedented times with a COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. TUSD was very fortunate to keep our Child Nutrition program operating through COVID19 and we will continue to serve meals while promoting safe and healthy procedures,” Lew-Vang said.

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