Honoring Cache Produce as Farm to Family Donor of the Year

At California Association of Food Banks, our Farm to Family program depends on the dedication of farmers who share our vision of a hunger-free California. These partners play a crucial role in ensuring that fresh, nutritious produce reaches food-insecure families throughout the state. This California Farmer and Farmworker Month, we are thrilled to recognize Cache Produce as our Donor of the Year — a well-deserved honor for a farm that has shown exceptional commitment to supporting California’s families.

70 Years of Dedication

For more than 70 years, Cache Produce has exemplified excellence in agriculture. Their reach spans from California’s fertile valleys to regions across Arizona, Texas, and Mexico. Their diverse product range, from bell peppers to mini watermelons, has been a vital resource for our Farm to Family program, helping to nourish communities across California.

I come from a Hispanic background. We love to feed people, so any chance I get to feed someone, whether it’s enchiladas or whether it’s watermelons, we’re happy.

Elio Angel, Co-Founder, Cache Produce

Farming with Integrity & Sustainability

Cache Produce is a shining example of responsible and sustainable farming. As certified organic and fair trade growers, they prioritize the health of the land while ensuring ethical treatment of workers. Their commitment to food safety is unparalleled, with a comprehensive safety program that includes third-party audits and continuous team training. These efforts ensure that when Cache’s produce arrives at our food banks, it’s not only fresh but safe and ready to nourish the families we serve.

Cache Produce’s farming practices extend beyond food safety — they are deeply committed to sustainability. By prioritizing land preservation, water conservation, and reducing waste, Cache is playing a critical role in protecting the environment while feeding communities. Their commitment to the future of farming makes them not only leaders in agriculture but also essential partners in ensuring that fresh food is available for generations to come.

Most of the produce CAFB distributes through our Farm to Family program doesn’t make it to grocery store shelves because it doesn’t meet their high cosmetic standards. For example, “pollinator” watermelons, which are critical to growing the watermelons that fill our markets but have a distinctly different pattern on the outside, taste just as good as — if not sweeter than — their seedless, patterned counterparts. By getting these tasty watermelons to food banks, we reduce unnecessary waste and provide delicious, healthy food for our neighbors. 

You work so hard to make sure you have a crop, and to watch good food go bad in the field, not get eaten, it really defeats what we’re doing out here. Unfortunately, we’re a nation that eats with our eyes.

Elio Angel, Co-Founder, Cache Produce

A Partnership Rooted in Community

Over the years, Cache Produce’s partnership with our Farm to Family program has enabled us to distribute millions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need. Last year, Cache donated more than 30 million pounds of fresh produce to our Farm to Family program — and they have already surpassed that number for 2024!

This recognition as Donor of the Year reflects Cache Produce’s steadfast commitment to helping California’s most under-resourced communities. They have demonstrated that, with care and collaboration, we can make a lasting impact together.

We are immensely grateful for Cache Produce’s leadership and generosity. Their continued partnership allows us to provide healthy, fresh food to families who need it most, working toward a future where no one in California goes hungry.

Congratulations to Cache Produce, Farm to Family’s Donor of the Year! Together, we are building a hunger-free California.