As a record number of shoppers head to their local grocery store to stock up on much needed food items during shelter in place orders, the nation’s retailers, grocers and distributors continue to keep shelves stocked and food the flowing.

“Our California farmers, ranchers and farmworkers understand the challenge this crisis has delivered to our retailer partners:  to manage adequate supply, maintain efficient distribution, and most of all provide a safe shopping environment for customers and employees.  All of this has been accomplished with a level of care, service and dedication that makes us proud to be part of your supply chain,” California Secretary of Food & Agriculture Karen Ross said in an open letter.

The letter of gratitude recognizes the efforts of warehouse workers pulling double shifts, truck drivers adding routes, in-store employees, direct-to-consumer serves and retail managers.  In addition, the letter offers a promise from the agriculture community to continue to provide nutritious food for retailers to serve the community. “Each harvest provides a brighter future, and together we will do what we’ve always done to provide healthy nutritious food (and beautiful flowers) for your customers, our neighbors and communities across this state and nation,” said Ross.

CA GROWN is part of the Buy California Marketing Agreement, which was formed in 1993 through a partnership with the California Department of Food & Agriculture, and commodity groups representing the state’s agriculture industry.  The purpose of BCMA is to emphasize strong ties to the land and to neighbors; to take pride in homegrown products and work; and to support its economy and the Californian way of life.