Venida Packing Co: Plums, Persimmons, Kiwifruit, & Kindness

Each year at the California Association of Food Banks, our Farm to Family program brings hundreds of millions of pounds of fresh, nutritious produce to families across our state. We couldn’t do this work without our dedicated partners who donate their delicious produce throughout the year. One of the donors we are proud to have partnered with for more than 15 years is Venida Packing Co. in Exeter, California. Venida’s dedication to quality and sustainability — and their partnership with our Farm to Family program — helps families experiencing food insecurity access the best possible produce.

A Legacy of Quality

Founded in 1977, Venida Packing has built a reputation for excellence. They specialize in growing and packing high-quality plums, persimmons, and kiwi. Venida’s commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous packing processes and their dedication to delivering fresh, flavorful fruit. We had the joy of witnessing this in person: we were able to meet with David Betancourt, Venida’s General Manager, to tour some of their plum fields and their packing facility.

Sustainable Practices

Venida Packing is committed to sustainability and food safety, employing practices that minimize environmental impact while maintaining the highest quality standards. Their water-efficient irrigation systems help conserve vital resources, while solar fields help offset electricity usage. Additionally, their facilities adhere to stringent food safety protocols to ensure that all produce is handled and packed with the utmost care.

Supporting Our Communities

Central to Venida Packing’s mission is their dedication to feeding people. Through their partnership with our Farm to Family program, they provided more than 2.6 million pounds of nutritious produce to Californians facing food insecurity last year alone. These contributions are crucial in our fight against hunger, helping us to connect food-insecure neighbors to the food they need right now.

I have about 45 years of experience in fruit harvesting. My favorite part of my job is collecting fruit for Farm to Family.

Felipe Alvarez, Venida employee

Looking Ahead

At the California Association of Food Banks, we believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of partners like Venida Packing, we are one step closer to achieving that goal. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Californians, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.

As we continue to address the challenges of food insecurity, partnerships with organizations like Venida Packing are more important than ever. Their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and community support makes them an invaluable ally in our mission to create a hunger-free California. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and expanding the positive impact of our Farm to Family program.

View our video highlighting this amazing Farm to Family donor: