Durant Distributing Helps Feed the Hungry in California 

California Association of Food Banks’ Farm to Family program relies on the generosity and dedication of farmers who donate fresh produce to feed our communities across California. In 2024, we partnered with 103 farmers and 41 member food banks to recover and distribute 274 million pounds of food. We’re proud to work with donors who are helping us pursue our vision of a hunger-free California.

Durant Distributing is one such donor. Located in Santa Maria, CA, Durant Distributing has been donating crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, cabbage, bok choy, and cilantro since March 2014. When they have extra, they contact us to donate fresh-picked produce that feeds the families we serve.

California Association of Food Banks spoke with the company’s sales manager, Tom Cline (pictured left, with CAFB Food Solicitor Brenda Ouwerkerk), and asked him about his experience in partnering with us. Tom says he appreciates the ease of the process. When they have excess loads of picked and packed produce, he contacts us and starts the donation process.

“It’s pretty easy, I just email or phone [the Farm to Family team]. I tell them we have 5 loads of celery or whatever, and they pick it up.”

“They’re very easy to work with. They’re very reasonable people and we get along really well. If there’s a problem, they will solve it.”

Over the past 11 years, Durant Distributing has donated millions of pounds of produce through Farm to Family — donating almost 14 million pounds in 2024 alone. They like that their food feeds hungry people throughout the state, and they plan to continue the strong relationship we’ve built together.

“We have been working with them for a number of years,” said Tom. “We look forward to working with them for more. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”

We’re very grateful to Tom Cline and Durant Distributing for donating their high-quality, fresh produce so we can help feed our food-insecure neighbors. For these families, not having to choose between food or rent or food and medication is a very welcome relief from worrying about where they will find the food they need. And farmers can rest assured that their and their employees’ labor results in nutritious food feeding families who need it most.

If there’s a problem, they will solve it.

Tom Cline, Sales Manager, Durant Distributing

For farmers and packers, the benefits of donating surplus product to our Farm to Family program include reducing food waste, making room in coolers for more product, and gaining tax credits for food donations. 

We’re always looking to partner with more farmers, packers and distributors to fill the ever-growing need in our communities and help us realize our vision of a hunger-free California. To see more about how our Farm to Family program reduces food waste, nourishes families and supports farmers watch our video below: