HOUSTON—Hurricane Harvey devastated many areas of Houston, and put a strain on resources – including the Gift of Produce from the Houston Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association.
The annual event, a massive donation to the Houston Food Bank during the holiday season, was cancelled in 2017, following Hurricane Harvey, said Danielle Quinn O’Leary, president of the HFFVA.
But the good news the donation is back, O’Leary said, and the organization has donated more than 34 million pounds in 32 years. This year’s presentation was held at the Houston Food Bank on Dec. 14.
“Last year every ounce of room in the food bank was occupied with their volunteers and food bank staff getting everything they could in and out in order to serve all of those affected by Harvey,” she said.
Harvey was a strain on donors as well, she said.
This year’s final tally isn’t in yet, but it’s expected to exceed one million pounds. This is the 32nd year for the event, which is in addition to regular donations by produce distributors, growers and retailers in the Houston community.
