Produce Rescue
Although a number of area businesses have worked with Philabundance (a local food procurement organization dedicated to feeding the hungry) over the years, the PWPM has recently upped its donations.
A weekly pilot program to shift more of the terminal market’s landfill-bound produce to the group was launched, with Philabundance volunteers sorting through produce to find salvageable fruits and vegetables.
Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market
Merchant Listing & Phone NumbersA. Vassallo, Inc. (215) 336-1984
B.R.S. Produce Company (215) 336-5454
Collotti & Sons, Inc. (215) 389-3335
Colonial Produce, Inc. (215) 748-6650
Coosemans Philadelphia, Inc. (215) 334-3634
E.W. Kean Company, Inc. (215) 336-2321
G & G Produce, Inc. (215) 336-9922
Hunter Bros., Inc. (215) 336-4343
John Vena, Inc. (215) 336-0766
Kaleck Brothers, Inc. (215) 336-3027
Klinghoffer Bros., Inc. (215) 336-3800
M. Levin & Company, Inc. (215) 336-2900
Nardella, Inc. (215) 336-1558
North American Produce Company (215) 525-6444
Paterson Produce (215) 330-4020
Paul Giordano & Sons, Inc. (215) 755-7900
Pinto Bros., Inc. (215) 336-3015
Procacci Bros. Sales Corp. (215) 334-1400
Produce Interchange (215) 389-1782
Ryeco, LLC (215) 551-8883
T. M. Kovacevich (215) 336-3160
Wick & Brother, Inc. (215) 336-2252
With the PWPM’s recycling room as a staging area, volunteers can claim or ‘rescue’ still edible produce that can’t be sold to retailers or restaurants, but can be repurposed to help feed area residents through more than 350 local food pantries. Merchants are happy to reduce waste and see imperfect items go to families in need, and Philabundance is more than willing to be the market’s conduit.
Keeping Pace
Despite strong sales and plenty of room for growth, there have been a few bumps in the road.
Vena says keeping up with necessary changes to infrastructure, staff, and equipment has been challenging. Due to the sensational speed of technology, he believes the process is one of adaptability and resilience.
