TEXAS - From logistic delays to navigating power outages, May saw both challenges and support for the Texas region as inclement weather conditions brought out the fortitude of the region’s buy- and supply-side.

“Sysco donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross and $10,000 to the Houston Food Bank to help aid their community efforts to distribute critically needed food, water, and cleaning supplies,” Henry Fovargue, the company’s Vice President of Sustainability, shared with ANUK. “Sysco colleagues at our Global Support Center in Houston also came together to donate shelf-stable, healthy food items and decorate lunch bags for a local non-profit, Kids’ Meals, which was impacted by power outages.”

While the conditions are by no means simple to take in stride, Texas International Produce Association President and Chief Executive Officer Dante Galeazzi shared, fortunately, Texans are fairly well prepared for these types of events, so most of the impacts are minimal.

On that front, he had this to say.

“But it doesn't mean that businesses went unscathed by the recent storms. Power outages for distributors and large hail for farmers are our two big worries," he explained. “Summer is an active time for Texas weather. On top of the heat, it's when we get most of our rain and all of our storms. The weather in May was obviously more than the usual fare, impacting large parts of the state. Even early this month, storms disrupted transportation throughout the Dallas and Houston region by delaying flights, causing various flooding events, and knocked out power service—again—to both areas and even areas in-between.”

It is a reminder, if nothing else, of the lengths the industry manages to achieve even against the forces of nature to ensure product makes it to the intended destinations.

As we report on all the critical regions maintaining the fresh produce cycle, continue to follow AndNowUKnow.