Fresh Communities Tour in partnership with United Way Broward
Date:  April 17, 2026
Location:  1300 S. Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL  33316
Volunteers arrive at 8:30
Open to the public at 10:00 a.m.

Chiquita Brands International and Fresh Express Inc. today announced its participation in the “Fresh Communities Tour: From the Fields to America’s Cities,” a multi-market initiative in collaboration with Planet Harvest aimed at expanding access to fresh, nutritious food for families in need across the United States.

Kicking off in South Florida from April 16–18, the initiative will deliver 5,000 fresh food boxes to families across Miami and Fort Lauderdale through collaborations with local organizations including [United Way of Broward County, King Jesus Church, and Lotus House]. Each box will include wholesome staples such as fresh fruits and vegetables, Fresh Express® salad kits, and Chiquita® bananas, helping ensure families have access to nutritious meals while supporting the farmers and supply chains that make fresh produce possible.

“At Chiquita, we believe that fresh, nutritious food should be accessible to every family,” said Peter Stedman, Sustainability Director at Chiquita. “Through our collaboration with Fresh Express and Planet Harvest, we’re proud to support communities across South Florida by delivering high-quality produce and reinforcing the important role fresh fruits like bananas play in healthy, everyday nutrition.”

The South Florida activation represents the first stop in a broader national effort that will extend to additional markets, including Salinas, California and Chicago, Illinois, transforming local distribution events into a unified platform that highlights the journey of fresh food from farms to communities.

“Fresh food should be accessible to every family,” said [Fresh Express Spokesperson]. “Through our collaboration with Planet Harvest, Chiquita, and local community leaders, we are proud to deliver fresh, nutritious meals to families across South Florida.”

“From Our Fields to South Florida Families” underscores a shared commitment among community allies to reduce food waste, support American farmers, and increase access to fresh food in underserved communities. The initiative also brings together employees, volunteers, and local leaders to create meaningful, on-the-ground impact through food distribution events and community engagement.

In addition to food distribution, the events will feature educational components such as recipes  and family-friendly nutrition resources, encouraging simple, healthy meal preparation using accessible ingredients like Chiquita bananas.

“We’re proud to help deliver fresh produce and food boxes to families and individuals in our communities. Joining forces with organizations that are equally committed to expanding food access and strengthening local communities is deeply important to us,” said Melissa Ackerman, CEO and Co-Founder of Planet Harvest. “Together, we’re working to make a meaningful difference for American farmers and the families they help feed—one box at a time.”

This effort builds on Chiquita’s long-standing mission to create a positive impact beyond the fruit aisle. Through its “Behind the Blue Sticker” program, the company strives to champion ‘Being a Good Neighbor’.

Following the April launch, additional events are planned throughout 2026, including back-to-school and holiday distributions in South Florida, further expanding the initiative’s reach and impact.

For more information, visit www.Chiquita.com.

About Chiquita Brands International

Chiquita Brands International is a leading global produce company that is committed to providing both consumers and customers across nearly 70 countries with the highest quality of fruit and service, making Chiquita® the banana of choice. For more than 150 years, Chiquita has been proudly producing great-tasting, superior-quality bananas. The brand creates a positive impact by implementing the principles of sustainability throughout all of its business practices under the "Behind the Blue Sticker" initiative.

Recently named one of America's Most Loved Brands by Newsweek,

 

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