Congressman Glenn Ivey Visits Hungry Harvest Warehouse

Discussions on How Local Partnerships Are Growing Access to Fresh Food in Prince George’s County, Md

Earlier this year, in March, our team met with Congressman Glenn Ivey at his Capitol Hill office to discuss expanding fresh food access and reducing food waste. His recent visit in July to the Hungry Harvest’s 60,000-square-foot warehouse in Landover, Md, offered an up close look at how a community focused business in his district is tackling food insecurity and preventing waste.

During the visit, he toured the warehouse, seeing fruits and vegetables normally rejected by retailers, watermelons that didn’t meet uniform sizing requirements and carrots with “too much dirt.” These items would otherwise be wasted. Hungry Harvest rescues such surplus from local farmers and food producers, reducing waste, providing extra income to growers, and turning “ugly” produce into fresh meals for families.

Congressman Ivey made it clear he understands what’s at stake. He praised Hungry Harvest’s mission and pledged to continue exploring ways to support food security, nutrition programs, and local farmers in his district. “I mean we’ve been fighting this, you know, in Congress for a long time,” he said. “...millions of people stand to lose their access to food. That’ll expand hunger issues, food insecurity across the country.”

Congressman Ivey also saw firsthand the power of Hungry Harvest’s partnerships: MedStar Southern Maryland, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, CCI Centering Pregnancy, the Capital Area Food Bank, and Prince George’s County Public Schools. These collaborations collectively deliver hundreds of thousands of pounds of produce to families every year.

Rep. Ivey’s longstanding support for nutrition initiatives, from NIH research funding to produce-prescription pilots, and $2.9 million secured to bring local foods into school meal programs, made his visit feel like this was the path to collaboration among community champions.

Congressman Ivey’s visit wasn’t about ribbon-cutting or a photo op, it was about a deeper discussion into the needs of this community, building community partnership, learning how Hungry Harvest provides food access and prevent food waste, and a shared commitment to building a healthier, more equitable food system right here in our backyard, Prince George’s County, Md. 

To watch the full coverage featured on DC News Now, please view here.