Once again the produce industry responds in time of need
Once again the produce industry responds in time of need
There isn't a time in written history when the produce industry has not stepped up to help people in need during times of trauma or disaster. And some are stepping up again in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast.
Steven Dandrea, co-owner of family-owned-and-operated Dandrea Produce in Landisville, NJ, said Nov. 5 that he received a phone call from a friend asking for help.
"My friend, Nick Massa, is a captain with the New Jersey State Police, and bureau chief of emergency management," said Mr. Dandrea. "He called to tell me that there were 500 people in an emergency shelter in West Trenton for about seven days, and that they were in pretty dire need of some fresh food."
Mr. Dandrea said that fresh fruit was the best alternative because it doesn't require cooking.
"I called Joe Liberta at Wick & Brother, and Keith and Mike Reilly at Ryeco. Both companies are located at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. Between our three companies we had a 20-foot trailer loaded almost immediately," he said. "We sent it off this morning, so those people will have some fresh produce before the end of the day."
Mr. Dandrea added that he doesn't remember a time that the produce industry didn't reach out to help people in times of need. He also said that any other produce or food companies in the Northeast that want to offer help in the form of donations, he would continue to help organize shipments until aid is no longer needed.
"Anyone who wishes to help out can call me at 856-205-1830, and we'll get right to work on helping to make sure that the product goes to where it is needed," said Mr. Dandrea.
