Irvine farm donates produce to food banks – NBC Los Angeles

An Irvine-based farm is providing families in need with fresh produce by donating thousands of pounds of vegetables and fruits weekly.

Harvest Solutions Farm is a nonprofit organization that donates its produce to partner organizations that distribute their goods to people who need them. The 40-acre farm grows produce like cauliflower, broccoli, squash and other items that make their way to recipients.

“Since 2021, we’ve harvested close to 9 million pounds of produce grown right here,” said Claudia Bonilla Keller, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. “We’re talking cauliflower today, broccoli, cabbage.”

Typically, food banks are associated with non-perishable items, so Harvest Solutions Farms is seeking to supplement fresh foods that are often not available at donation centers.

“We know the charitable food system historically has been dry goods, calorie-dense, not always nutrient-heavy,” Keller said. “That’s why you’ve seen a shift in the food system to include more produce. We’ve taken it a step further and we’re actually growing it here.”

At the farm, volunteers harvest the goods, which are then taken to a nearby distribution center. Afterwards, the produce goes out to one of the nonprofit’s 280 partners that are spread across 350 locations in Orange County.

“I retired three years ago, looking for stuff to do,” said Brent Seaton, who volunteers at the nonprofit. “One of the things that were meaningful, one of the opportunities I found … I think you get satisfaction that you’re doing something for the community.”

According to Second Harvest Food Bank, 1 in 9 families is food insecure in Orange County.

Those who are in need of food or who would like to get involved with the nonprofit can click here for more information.