Washington, DC, healthcare workers at Children’s National Hospital were the recipients of a much appreciated and nutritious delivery of fresh produce boxes from the supply management company Produce Alliance LLC, and their charity arm, Produce Alliance Foundation. Children’s National Hospital was the kick-off event for the Produce Box Project: Nourish Our Frontlines in what will become a national effort of support and relief to frontline responders.
Produce Alliance LLC conducted a pilot delivery last week at Chicago’s Illinois Masonic Hospital where distributors successfully delivered 150 produce boxes only to be asked to return the next day with 61 more boxes.
Produce Alliance has teamed its network of produce growers and distributors with individuals and corporations who want to donate the boxes and put together the produce delivery at Children’s National today. Using Produce Alliance’s strong supply chain expertise, the plan is to get boxes of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables into the hands of COVID-19 frontline responders, including healthcare workers at Children’s National where testing is being conducted for families of patients to detect the Covid-19 and stop the spread of the virus. Free distribution began at shift change this evening, as the nursing unit left their shift, making shopping one less thing they would have to worry about. (Photos and video are available).
The Produce Alliance Foundation partnered with its Washington Metro Area distributor Keany Produce and Gourmet to make their first drop of 200 fresh produce boxes at the hospital. By leveraging the desire of hospitals across the country to do right by their fearless staff, Produce Alliance can lean into its national distribution network to quickly activate this program in almost any area where there is a need. Patrice King Brickman, Carrie Marriott and Jean Marie Fernandez were the generous donors of this truckload of produce boxes for the 200 nurses.
“It is such an amazing feeling to support these healthcare heroes who are working around the clock to help save lives during this devastating time. Produce Alliance and the Produce Alliance Foundation wanted to help nourish the frontline workers when they leave exhausted and take one worry off their plate,” said Produce Alliance President Melissa Melshenker Ackerman.
“On behalf of the Children’s National Hospital nursing team, I want to express our profound gratitude to Produce Alliance and the Children’s National Hospital Foundation board members for providing 200 nourishing produce boxes to help alleviate some of the pressures and worries we are facing,” said Linda Talley, FAAN vice president and chief nursing officer of the Children’s National Hospital. “Your gift allows us to care for ourselves and our families, and in turn, to focus on caring for our community in their time of need.”
The Produce Alliance Foundation is looking to broaden its reach to give a boost to hospitals and frontline responders serving the critical needs of their communities in neighborhoods across the country. Individuals and corporations who are interested in donating boxes, a truckload or supply entire institution can contact tracy@KeyandAssociatesDC.com visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ps245-support-hospital-amp-healthcare-staff.
