The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket and the United Fresh Produce Association have partnered to connect produce distributors to retailers as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
“The entire food industry has come together incredibly during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, ensuring that Americans across the country have access to affordable and nutritious food,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president, and CEO. “Our collaboration with United Fresh will improve upon what has already been accomplished, keeping independent grocers stocked with fresh produce.”
NGA and United Fresh are connecting produce distributors who can deliver fresh produce and other items with independent supermarkets on a store-door basis. United Fresh and NGA will work with companies to assess their retail needs, as well as foodservice distribution communities and provide an opportunity for companies to network on business solutions.
“The fresh produce industry is committed to continuing to feed America. Foodservice distributors and processors have strong capabilities to deliver product, transportation and supply chain solutions in these unprecedented times,” said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president, and CEO. “We’re pleased to partner with NGA, working in tandem to get more fresh, healthy produce items in the hands of consumers.”
Related Article: News About the Coronavirus and the Food and Beverage Industry
United Fresh also created industry and consumer resource page to help address commonly asked questions and provide resources that can help keep business and consumers informed.
Among the resources available on the United Fresh web page, they have information about the importance of produce sellers keep their rights under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) Trust and to be careful to not inadvertently waive their rights under the PACA Trust.
Do you want to be sure which workers are included on the list of essential personnel who can go out to work when cities and states order all their citizens to stay indoors as part of the measures to contain the coronavirus?
United Fresh’s Coronavirus Resources page provides that information and offers a form letter for businesses in the agriculture and food industry to fill out with their employee information so that they can travel and present it to authorities if necessary.
The produce organization also offer guidance for people traveling to work in the United States, for example, people working in the agricultural or livestock industry who must travel between the United States and Mexico to perform those tasks; on access to H-2A visas for workers, and transportation of agricultural products, among others.