WASHINGTON, DC - Information pertaining to the COVID-19 concerns are in constant development, and the foodservice industry has experienced unprecedented challenges within recent weeks. As industry members continue to collaborate to contribute to the well-being of all, associations like the United Fresh Produce Association are stepping up to address these concerns on a governmental level.

In a recent letter from Tom Stenzel, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Fresh Produce Association, the association announced that it has been working with other trade organizations throughout DC to ensure elected officials and government agencies are taking our industry’s needs into consideration as they make critical decisions that will impact our supply chain.

Additionally, Stenzel noted that letters were submitted last night to the President and Congressional leaders in alliance with the International Foodservice Distributors Association, as well as the National Restaurant Association’s outlining their concerns.

Here is a portion of the International Food Service Distributors joint letter with the United Fresh Produce Association:

Dear Mr. President, Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader McConnell:

Together, our associations represent the foodservice distribution industry, including the segment delivering fresh produce, which is now facing staggering losses after the sudden shock of restaurant and hospitality closures following the Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak.

Restaurants and other foodservice outlets account for as much as 40 percent of fresh fruit and vegetable sales. This economically vital segment of food production ensures fresh and perishable agriculture commodities are delivered from field to table. Right now, those tables are empty; these restaurants are closed, and our members are shouldering undue financial stress because they have paid farmers for produce that they cannot deliver and that restaurants cannot pay for.

To read more from this letter, and both mentioned letters in full, please click on the links provided above.

Two additional statements were released, one outlining state and local restrictions talking points, and the other a letter sent to federal, state, and local elected officials.

Please see the official letters attached above for more information. Continue coming back to ANUK as we cover developments surrounding COVID-19.

United Fresh Produce Association International Foodservice Distribution Association National Restaurant Association