DES MOINES, IA - Watermelon and carrots and, now, bananas, oh my! Hy-Vee has been on a supply-side partnership spree, teaming up with Sol Group and Grimmway Farms to do its part in helping to alleviate food insecurity in its communities. This week, the retailer is adding another high-profile grower to its list of partners after uniting with Dole Food Company to donate more than 32,000 bananas.

According to a press release, as more people become financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hy-Vee and Dole Food Company believe it’s important to provide access to produce during this time of need. The donation will include 13,440 pounds of fresh DOLE Organic Bananas, which will provide fresh produce for approximately 2,600 families.

Hy-Vee and Dole will be giving the bananas away to shoppers in Illinois' Des Moines area at an event held at the Southridge Mall today, May 5. The bananas, which will be safely loaded into shoppers’ vehicles during the event using a contactless method, will be distributed to consumers for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Will Hy-Vee continue to team up with grower leaders in the produce industry as it fights on the frontlines of fresh? AndNowUKnow will keep its eyes on the prize—with the prize being the latest grocery retail news.

Hy-Vee Dole Food Company