SELAH, WA - Fresh produce is vital to the well-being of humans, perhaps now more than ever. Under this understanding, growers are donating massive amounts of fruits and vegetables in order to ensure the continuous and accessible distribution of fresh produce. In light of national, state, and local quarantines related to the coronavirus, Rainier Fruit and marketing partner T&G Global have donated more than 12,000 apples and 26,000 plastic bags to the Selah School District.

“Our mission, Wholesome to the Core, it’s not just words,” Mark Zirkle, CEO of Rainier Fruit, remarked. “We are a small, tight-knit community and in times like these, Wholesome to the Core extends beyond Rainier Fruit. It is a call to do the right thing by our neighbors and something as small as keeping our kids healthy in a time of uncertainty is always the right thing to do.”

Rainier's latest effort helps support the Selah School District's “Meals on the Move” program, which is preparing and delivering more than 3,200 daily meals to local students.

As schools and communities around the country have adapted to new ways of life, students and families have been impacted by sudden changes that are affecting their financial and food security. According to a press release, Rainier Fruit is one of the community’s largest employers and understands the responsibility that comes with that.

“No child should be expected to go to school one day and be quarantined at home the next without access to their teachers and their friends,” said Cecilia Flores Paez, Global Brand Strategy Manager for T&G Global North America. “Moreover, these same kids who are living in uncertain times may have to skip traditional school, but they shouldn’t have to skip healthy meals—that is the certainty we can provide in uncertain times.”

In addition to the more than 12,000 Jazz apples donated to the Selah School District, Rainier and T&G are also working with local logistics providers in Seattle and Portland to make similar donations to schools in other regional communities.

“The generosity of our local community partners like Rainier Fruit is overwhelming and proves we are all putting the needs of kids first,” a representative of the Selah School District said. “We are proud of our staff and their commitment to continue to provide a daily breakfast and lunch to our students and go above and beyond to make it happen.”

We at ANUK will keep the same resilient attitude as our fresh produce friends as we all continue to navigate this challenging time.

Rainier Fruit T&G Global