Press Releases
Redwood Empire Food Bank Receives Massive Donation From Sk Foods
One million cans of tomatoes benefit needy food banks throughout California
"This donation comes at the absolutely perfect time-it couldn't be more serendipitous," said David Goodman, executive director of the Redwood Empire Food Bank. "We've been developing a food packet that will feed a family of four, and a missing key component of that meal was diced tomatoes. This donation completes the meal."
As food supplies dwindle and prices increase worldwide, food banks throughout the state have found themselves in short supply of much-needed healthy and nutritious foods. SK Foods, with facilities in several locations throughout California, was quick to respond to the shortages with available supplies of diced tomatoes. The retail value of the donation is well over $1 million.
Deliveries to food banks began June 5th, with a truck dropping off approximately 2,800 cases of tomatoes to the San Francisco Food Bank. The Food Bank for Monterey County, the FoodLink for Tulare County in Visalia, the Alameda County Community Food Bank, and the Community Food Bank in Fresno County have also received deliveries of canned diced tomatoes. The Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties in Watsonville will receive a delivery in July. SK Foods is providing all transportation and covering freight costs, a tremendous added value to the food banks.
SK Foods, based in Monterey, California, is owned and operated by the Salyer family, which has successfully farmed diversified crops on a large scale in California's Central Valley since the early 1900s. The Salyer family has long been recognized as leaders in agriculture nationwide - a broad experience that makes them unique among processors.
"The world food shortages are right here in our backyard," said SK Foods Chief Executive Officer Scott Salyer. "We hope other food companies will follow our lead and help the food banks."
The Redwood Empire Food Bank, working with 128 human service agencies that operate 214 programs, serves people in need in Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. During the current fiscal year, it will distribute more than 11 million pounds of food. For more information please visit www.refb.org.
About SK Foods
SK Foods is one of the world's leading processors of tomato and vegetable products for re-manufacturers, retail and foodservice marketers. Established in 1990, SK Foods is part of the SK Foods Group of companies, with headquarters in Monterey, California, and processing facilities at locations in California, New Zealand, and Australia. For more information please visit www.skfoods.com.