The United Family donated more than 50,000 pounds of fresh apples throughout April as part of the Take a Bite Out of Hunger program. The donations were distributed to food banks and food pantries across Texas and New Mexico.
This year’s donation marks the 16th year of the Take a Bite Out of Hunger program. Thanks to the partnership between The United Family and FirstFruits Farms, more than 650,000 pounds of apples have been donated over the years, helping countless families across both states.
Joseph Bunting, produce business director for The United Family, said the company values its role in supporting food banks across its footprint.
“The United Family feels very blessed to be in the position to make these donations for the sixteenth year in a row,” Bunting said. “We know how important donations of fresh produce can be for food banks and their clients. We are so thankful for this partnership with FirstFruits and the hard work of our team members across Texas and New Mexico.”
The donation marks a continuing commitment by The United Family as an original partner of the Take a Bite Out of Hunger program, sponsored by FirstFruits Farms of Washington.
FirstFruits created the program to help feed the underserved while bringing attention to the problem of food insecurity across the country.
Aimee Bach, business development director for FirstFruits Farms, said the values shared between the two companies have made the partnership endure.
“At FirstFruits Farms, we believe every positive action makes a difference — whether it’s sponsoring local programs or addressing hunger on a national scale,” Bach said. “Our mission to serve and uplift communities aligns perfectly with The United Family. We’re proud to work together now for 16 years with their shoppers and team to bring fresh, healthy fruit to families in need with the Take a Bite out of Hunger campaign.”
Organizations receiving donations
The recipient organizations span Texas and New Mexico.
In Texas, donations were distributed to South Plains Food Bank in Lubbock, High Plains Food Bank in Amarillo, Food Bank of West Central Texas in Abilene, Minnies Food Pantry in Plano, West Texas Food Bank in Odessa, Concho Valley Food Bank in San Angelo and Wichita Falls Area Food Bank in Wichita Falls.
In New Mexico, donations went to The Food Depot in Santa Fe, Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque and Storehouse New Mexico in Albuquerque.
About The United Family
In its 110th year of operation, United Supermarkets LLC — doing business as The United Family — is a Texas-based grocery chain with stores in 55 communities across Texas and New Mexico.
A self-distributing company with headquarters and distribution centers in Lubbock, The United Family currently operates 100 retail grocery stores under four unique banners: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos and Albertsons Market. It also operates 41 convenience stores under three unique banners: United Express, Market Street Express and Albertsons Market Express.
The United Family also includes ancillary operations R.C. Taylor Distributing, USM Manufacturing and Llano Logistics. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertsons Companies Inc.
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