Feeding America has received a $3 million grant from Cargill to help provide children and families with nutrition solutions over the next three years. The gift will help food banks to increase access for families to fruits and vegetables. The grant will also help fund nutrition education services through an investment in a diabetes prevention pilot program and funding food safety measures to ensure the highest qualities of food distribution.

In Feeding America’s research Hunger in America 2014, people served by the Feeding America network identified fresh fruit and vegetables as the most desired category. At the same time, six billion pounds of produce are lost each year. Cargill’s funding will help Feeding America establish regional cooperative produce mixing centers that source and distribute produce for local food banks in order to drive down cost and provide a greater variety of produce throughout the year.

“Hunger is an issue in every community. Feeding America is thankful to Cargill for its generous support of programs and initiatives that help to provide nourishing food to children and families who may not know where they find their next meal,” said Diana Aviv, CEO at Feeding America.

Cargill is a longstanding partner in the fight to end hunger. For 30 years, Cargill has provided financial, volunteer and leadership support in the areas of food safety, product donations and produce capture. Cargill’s current investment aligns with its commitment to nourish people in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.

“Cargill is working to improve nutrition around the world and in the communities where we live and work. Our employees value our partnership with Feeding America because they can see firsthand the impact it makes in their local communities,” said Michelle Grogg, senior director of corporate responsibility for Cargill. “As Feeding America strives to close the meal gap in America, we are proud to invest in their innovative solutions.”