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NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Ventura, CA, United States, 06/11/2009 - A major food bank distributing millions of pounds of food each year to those in need throughout Ventura County, FOOD Share collects and receives food year-round, distributing to more than 150 partner agencies throughout Ventura County, California.
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A friendly person with a huge smile, Chris DeVan has joined FOOD Share as Director of Food Sourcing and Purchasing and will seek to create partnerships with food manufactures and grocers to find new sources of protein.
DeVan’s new position at FOOD Share blends two of his passions, ranching and food. DeVan resides on a ranch in Somis and attended culinary school prior to joining FOOD Share. Through his knowledge and background in ranching, DeVan has made many relationships that will add a new dimension to FOOD Share.
“Working with grocery stores across Ventura County, our goal is to redirect food to our warehouse, especially protein rich foods so needed by FOOD Share now, and distribute it to people that need it, DeVan says. “We are working with Ralph’s on a new program called Perishable Donation Partnership. Instead of discarding food, Ralph’s donates key protein rich items such as eggs, hamburger meat, chicken, fish and deli meat to food banks.”
Ventura County, one of the first in the state of California to participate in the Ralph’s program, has received several thousand pounds of food in addition to Ralph’s $15,000 donation to FOOD Share.
“We are very appreciative to Ralph’s for its generosity,” said Bonnie Weigel, CEO at FOOD Share. “Through this partnership we will bring much needed protein food to the people of Ventura County. I’m so excited to get the reports of meat, eggs and other essential foods that are now in our refrigerators – it’s a good feeling. I know Chris will be a great asset to our team to deepen our level of commitment to those in need.”
Food items that are most lacking for distribution include protein, such as meat, soups, stews, cheese, peanut butter, legumes and others. Often, these are the first items depleted when fulfilling requests for nutrition, items that are needed for a balanced diet.
In an effort to increase the FOOD Share protein pantry new sources of food must be secured. One of those avenues is to partner with local grocery stores. FOOD Share (foodshare.com) started a similar program with local farmers and growers, collecting fresh produce from local growers and packers and distributing produce through the state. In addition, DeVan also hopes to work with the Cattleman’s Association and other local partners to provide protein.
A major food bank distributing millions of pounds of food each year to those in need throughout Ventura County, FOOD Share collects and receives food year-round, distributing to more than 150 partner agencies throughout Ventura County and feeding more than 41,000 each month.
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