Award will increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for families in need on the Treasure coast
FORT PIERCE, July 18, 2017 – Treasure Coast Food Bank today announced a new grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation to support the food bank’s fresh produce program. The funds will be used to increase the food bank’s ability to access, transport and store fresh produce and provide fruits and vegetables for local residents.
“We are proud to continue our commitment of providing fresh produce to children and their families. This grant will make healthy foods available to those who might otherwise not have access to them,” said Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley and President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation.
“By providing the people we serve with increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables, we give them the building blocks for a healthy life,” said Judith Cruz, President and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank. “We are excited to work with Morgan Stanley to help improve the health of the people in our community.”
Food insecurity continues to be an issue facing millions of Americans. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released in September 2016, 42 million people in the United States are living in food-insecure households, 13 million of whom are children. Feeding America’s Hunger in America 2014 study found that 89 percent of Feeding America’s client households with at least one child lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
