Food Banks Benefit from Modern Agricultural Practices

Dec 21, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC – Modern U.S. agriculture is crucial in the celebration of many holidays, especially during this winter's holiday season. While helping those who most need a warm meal, U.S. consumers and businesses alike are searching their pantries to donate canned foods and countless other resources to their local food banks and shelters. Last year, 48.8 million Americans, including 16.2 million children, had limited resources available for adequate food, or were in “food insecure” households. The crop protection products manufactured and sold by CropLife America's members, when responsibly used by American farmers and ranchers, help to increase yields and provide a plentiful food supply. This means prices remain affordable and manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, growers and families have the opportunity to donate more food to the hungry.

The continued success of food banks is a vital step in reducing the hunger crisis in America. U.S. food banks supply more than three billion pounds of food and grocery products annually, but unfortunately, more needs to be done. This is why President Obama’s Administration has made a pledge to end child hunger by 2015. Growers, food retailers and consumers working closely together to support food insecure households will be a key step, as will food banks, nutrition programs and farmers using a wide array of modern agriculture tools. “The crop protection industry has a vital role in hunger alleviation,” said CropLife America president and CEO Jay Vroom. “Crop protection products help farmers increase crop productivity by 20 to 50 percent, and ensures that food prices are kept low at the grocery store and shelves are stocked at all times.”

With the use of crop protection products, farmers and ranchers are able to provide a stable food supply which keeps U.S. food prices an international bargain. Not only does this mean more people are able to afford adequate food, but more people are able to donate to food banks and soup kitchens that distribute food and hot meals to those in need, both during the holidays and year-round. Modern agriculture and its many tools provide farmers and ranchers the means to maintain a high supply of fruits, vegetables and grains to help feed those living in food insecurity. “CropLife America and our staff actively support the Washington, D.C.-based program SOME (So Others Might Eat), a charity that provides meals, clothing and health care for the city’s most needy,” notes Vroom. “We’re proud to help this local charity with volunteer time and other contributions.”