Alameda County Community Food Bank

Press Releases:

Contact: Judyth Collin
(510) 636-4902

CITRUS FREEZE SQUEEZES FOOD BANKS
—Orange Distribution Cancelled at Alameda County Community Food Bank—

17 January 2007 -- (Oakland, CA) Orange shipments to Alameda County Community Food Bank were cancelled this week due to the severe cold weather. Normally, the Food Bank distributes 7,800 pounds of oranges per week, which represents 14 percent of its fresh produce distribution.

"Oranges are usually a year-round dependable item for our produce distribution," said executive director Suzan Bateson. "They are a kid-friendly fruit, filled with vitamins, which are especially helpful during winter months. This will be a blow to low-income children and adults who rely on us."

The Food Bank receives non-premium sized oranges from Bee Sweet Citrus in Fowler, California, who receives citrus from local growers. Normally, the Food Bank pays two to three cents per pound for the fruit, which makes it extremely affordable.

In an email sent from Ron Clark of the California Association of Food Banks, "Growers are scrambling to assess damage to their crop and currently not harvesting." He said that as soon as he knows more, he will share information about the extent of the damage and prospects for resumed orange shipments.