International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has donated 102.845 Kg of produce and 3.890 kg of floral after this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show hosted in Atlanta, Georgia. The rescue and distribution of this donation is in partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, a member of the Feeding America network, which serves 29 counties in the Atlanta and northern Georgia region.  In the past twenty years, the industry has donated more than 2.270 tons of produce to food banks in the cities that have hosted the Global Produce & Floral Show. Each year, as the show closes, volunteers organized by the partner food banks enter the show floor to rescue and pack the produce and floral donations for transportation.  

Also floral given to 25 social institutions

In addition to produce, floral, furnishings, and green waste are all donated to community partners. This year’s floral donations were received by The Little Flower Group, Meals on Wheels Atlanta, more than 25 local nursing homes, religious institutions, Georgia Tech, non-profits supporting single mothers, Girl Scouts troops, Nourish Botanica, and more. Bouquets, plants, loose cut flowers and more went out to organizations supporting members across the entire community as a way to share joy and appreciation to their communities. Floral exhibitors also donated 4 tons of green waste which went to composting for neighborhood gardens. 

Floral help to celebrate with communities

“There are not a lot of organizations ready to receive over 8000 pounds of floral donations,” said IFPA director of trade shows, Kyle McMillan. “This year, we were absolutely blown away by the generosity of our floral exhibitors, but also the enthusiasm from our local partners who helped us be more sustainable than ever before by extending the life and use of our show’s floral and produce. The work our partners do for their communities is so important, we’re thrilled to help them celebrate and appreciate their neighbors and members.”