Cacee Hilliard
Director of Agriculture Relations
Our Work - Farmers Feeding Florida
Produce Recovery
Growers Feeding Florida
The heart of Farmers Feeding Florida is produce recovery. Our team works closely in partnership with Florida growers to rescue and distribute excess or unmarketable products to the families that need it most.
Farmers Feeding Florida has set the standard for produce recovery in the state. Our Pick and Pack Out (PPO) model offsets post-harvest expenses, helping growers maintain continuity, optimize labor, and maximize facility use — benefits that are particularly critical for smaller farms navigating the challenges of harvesting, packing, and marketing.
Since its launch in 2010, the program has recovered and distributed over 350 million pounds of fresh Florida fruits and vegetables, turning surplus harvests into nourishment for communities across the state. By providing a reliable outlet for growers and ensuring families have access to fresh, nutritious food, Farmers Feeding Florida has become a proven model for efficient, statewide produce recovery that strengthens both agriculture and food security.
Economic Impact
Farmers Feeding Florida’s mission remains clear: ensuring all Floridians have access to healthy, nutritious food. Over the years, the program has evolved into a true supply chain partner for growers, not just a last-resort outlet for surplus product. By planning and coordinating product flows, scheduling planned loads, and anticipating harvest and market cycles, we provide growers with reliable, predictable outlets for their crops. This foresight allows growers to optimize labor, facility use, and post-harvest operations, while expanding the reach of fresh produce to families across the state. By integrating into the supply chain from the field to the table, Farmers Feeding Florida strengthens Florida’s food system while helping more people access fresh, nutritious food.
Sourcing to Feed Beyond Florida
In addition to serving Florida families, Farmers Feeding Florida also coordinates with our Feeding America partner food banks to identify additional outlets when the Florida network reaches capacity or funding limits. This service is provided at no cost to growers and supports them at critical post-harvest points. Acting as a communications hub, we connect growers with other food banks performing similar procurement functions in their states, coordinating shipments to over 20 states and generating additional funding that directly supports our farmer and rancher partners.
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