In light of the recent announcement by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Farm Share CEO would like to send the following communication to our new applicants for the TEFAP program in our new counties:
"The purpose of this correspondence is to introduce you to Farm Share and to express our intent to continue working with existing TEFAP distributors in the region.
Farm Share was founded in Homestead, Florida in 1991 on a simple idea to capture underutilized fruits and vegetables from farmers and distribute it free of charge to persons in need. Since that time, Farm Share has grown into a statewide food bank with seven (7) regional warehouses that distributes not only fruits and vegetables but also proteins, canned goods, dairy products and other non-perishable food products. Last year Farm share distributed over 122 million pounds of food utilizing our statewide network of partner agencies. With the addition of four (4) new TEFAP regions throughout Florida, Farm Share looks forward to expanding its agency network and food distribution operations.
It is Farm Share’s intention to continue serving those agencies that are currently administering the TEFAP programs within each new region it has been awarded. So long as each agency is in compliance with the required TEFAP rules and regulations, completes a Farm Share agency application and attends all pre-requisite trainings, Farm Share will welcome each new agency into our network. Farm Share looks forward to effectuating a smooth transition and avoiding any disruption in food supplies to our agencies and persons in need within the region.
Please contact Alfio Ferrea, Farm Share’s Statewide USDA TEFAP Manager, at 305-246-3276, ext. 101 for more information regarding the application process to become an agency. We will also be updating our website in the coming weeks with information specific to each region and updated application forms. www.farmshare.org. I encourage all agencies to begin the process early so that we can complete all inspections and training prior to the contract start date of October 1, 2021.
Farm Share looks forward to working with you to feed hungry families, children, seniors and individuals in your community."
Go to: https://www.farmshare.org/become-an-agency or click on the image below for information and to download the new TEFAP applications for the year 2021-2022.
Sincerely,
Stephen Shelley,
Chief Executive Officer,
Farm Share, Inc.