TAMPA, FL - If you’re still relishing in excitement from the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) recent Southern Exposure show, you’re not the only one! As we reflect on the endless impacts of such an integral industry event, we are turning our attention to the philanthropic efforts supporting food insecurity in Florida. SEPC and its many exhibitors donated a total of 60,233 pounds of fresh produce to communities in need through the Society of St. Andrew (SoSA).

"We are thrilled by the success of Southern Exposure, the generous food donations, and the profound impact the Society of Saint Andrew has on communities facing food insecurity,” commented Jose Roggiero, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freshway Produce and Chairman of the SEPC’s SoSA Committee. “Our SoSA Committee extends heartfelt gratitude to Kelly and her team for orchestrating this remarkable endeavor."

Many companies and operations came together to contribute to this important cause. Mack Farms provided storage, transportation, and logistics while Move For Hunger donated a truck to transport 40,000 pounds of food to the show.

His Compassion Food Bank also provided two trucks to stay on location for several days to help keep the food cold and fresh and then distribute over 39,000 pounds of food to 19 areas across west and central Florida. In addition, New Covenant UMC, FL picked up and distributed over 8,000 pounds of food, and Metropolitan Ministries helped to pack the show, load the trucks, and distribute over 12,000 pounds of food to those in need.

Cheers to SEPC for broadening our industry’s impact and tackling a critical challenge for communities in need!