As fourth-generation mushroom farmers, Basciani Foods has cemented itself as an expert in the category and have established great relationships with its retailer and foodservice clients through the years.
The Avondale, PA-based company is also known for its giving nature, so it was no surprise when Basciani Foods announced it would be supplying immunity-boosting mushrooms for the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
Fred Recchiuti, the company’s general manager, explained that in this COVID-19 stimulus program, the USDA is buying farmers’ crops to be donated and distributed to food banks across America, providing much-needed help to U.S. farmers and getting fresh, healthy food to those in need.
The company met with Ivanka Trump, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in making the announcement.
“If anybody ever needed an immunity boost from mushrooms, it’s the millions of great Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, to this invisible enemy,” said Recchiuti. “It was an honor to thank the president’s eldest daughter for her work with secretary Sonny Purdue at the USDA to include smaller farms in coronavirus relief programs.”
Joseph Basciani, a recent college grad who is now fulltime in the family business as its CFO, noted the meeting was a proud and rewarding experience for the Basciani family.
“We were able to share the challenges we faced during the crisis, and how we adapted our business model to support all our stakeholders,” he said. “And, since I just graduated from the University of Georgia last spring, it was really great talking with Secretary Purdue about our alma mater. The secretary has been gracious enough to invite me to appear on his podcast.”
Michael Basciani, CEO and Joseph’s father, is excited to have him as part of the team.
“This kid has faced more challenges and adversity in the last year than anyone should in their first year out of college,” he said. “He is a great addition to the team; he fits perfectly with his siblings and cousins in this fast-paced business. I sent him to college to come home and take this company to the next level, which he has already shown me he can do as our CFO. And, I am excited that he has the same passion and drive for this business as I do.”
Seen above are: Ivanka Trump, Maryland Governor. Larry Hogan, Secretary of Ag Sonny Perdue, Fred Recchiuti and Joseph Basciani.
