Across the United States, growers and food businesses face a persistent contradiction. The nation produces more than enough food for every household, with an estimated 92 billion pounds of surplus food generated annually. Much of this product is fresh, safe and nutritious, but without efficient recovery systems, it risks never reaching families who need it. This unfortunate reality contributes to the nearly 48 million people, including more than 14 million children, experiencing food insecurity. 

For the produce industry, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Fresh fruit and vegetable donation has become one of the most effective tools for addressing food waste, while providing communities with nutritious food that supports dignity and wellness. To answer this call, Feeding America has built local, regional and national scale infrastructure capable of moving surplus produce quickly and safely to food banks and meal programs across the country.

Rising Demand for Fresh Food
Nearly 70 percent of people facing hunger say they want to eat healthier but can’t afford to, and often turn to food banks to access nutritious, preferred foods such as fresh produce, dairy and protein, and food banks continue to face elevated demand. 

To ensure everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food, Feeding America’s hunger relief network rescued 4.3 billion pounds of food in fiscal year 2025, including 3.6 billion pounds of produce, protein, milk and dairy. Nearly 1 billion pounds of that came directly from growers. These numbers reflect a long-term shift in the network. Food banks are increasingly integrated into the fresh food supply chain, with cold storage, transportation and distribution systems capable of handling perishable commodities at scale.

How the Feeding America Network Expands Access

Feeding America staff and network members work directly with farmers, packers, processors, ranchers and industry groups to identify surplus product and move it efficiently into the charitable food system. This includes:

• Commodity-specific sourcing strategies aligned with seasonal availability and regional production patterns.
• Trade association partnerships to understand supply chain pressures and anticipate donation opportunities.
• Coordination with regional cooperatives and state associations in the Feeding America network to ensure donated products reach communities with the greatest need.
• Transportation and logistics support, leveraging a national network of warehouse space, cold storage and infrastructure assets.
• Digital tools, such as Feeding America’s MealConnect Marketplace, match supply with real-time demand, streamlining pickup and delivery to local food banks.

Many food banks also operate job skills training programs, community kitchens and outreach initiatives that connect families to federal nutrition programs. The goal is not only to distribute food, but to strengthen the local systems that support long-term access.

Why Donation Matters for Growers and Shippers

For producers, donating surplus food offers practical and financial advantages that go beyond community impact.

• Reduced disposal costs. Donation provides a cost-effective alternative to dumping or composting excess perishable product, especially in cases of bumper crops or market volatility. 
• Federal tax incentives. Qualified food donations may be eligible for enhanced tax deductions, allowing growers, packers and distributors to recover a portion of the product’s value. In some cases, packaging costs may also be included.
• Operational efficiency. Donation channels provide an outlet for marketable product that is cosmetically imperfect or mismatched with buyer specifications.
• Environmental stewardship. Redirecting edible food reduces methane emissions from landfills and supports sustainability goals increasingly important to retailers and consumers.
• Brand reputation. Donors are often recognized as leaders in corporate responsibility and local engagement.

Farmers at the Center of the Solution

Farmers play a critical role in the movement to end hunger. Their partnership ensures that fresh, nutritious food reaches families who might otherwise go without. 

Food banks, in turn, support food systems by building relationships with producers, investing in regional infrastructure and ensuring that donated food is handled safely and distributed quickly. This collaboration strengthens rural economies while helping communities thrive.

A Shared Responsibility Across the Supply Chain

The scale of food insecurity in the United States demands coordinated action across the supply chain. Food donation is one of the most immediate, impactful ways to ensure that community members have access to nutritious food.

As demand continues to rise, partnerships between the agricultural sector and hunger relief organizations like Feeding America remain essential. When growers, shippers, retailers, manufacturers and food banks work together, surplus food becomes a powerful resource rather than a lost opportunity.

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that nourishing foods make their way from fields and warehouses to family tables. 

For the produce industry, food donation is not only the right thing to do, it’s a smart, sustainable and community- strengthening strategy for the future. If you’re interested in exploring a Feeding America partnership or learning more about how donations can fit into your operation, reach out to [email protected].