Giving Back: Produce Makes an Impact
January 13, 2025 | 4 min to read
As a wholesaler, A&J Produce Corp. recognizes its role in nourishing the community, particularly in the Bronx, where food insecurity is prevalent. Partnering with Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC), they provide fresh produce and support local families. Their initiatives include volunteering at community events, donating thousands of pounds of produce, and receiving HPAC’s 2024 Community Hero Award. A&J aims to educate children about the food supply chain, enhancing health and well-being in Hunts Point.
As wholesalers, we are in a unique position to be able to say, “We feed people.” We have an incredible duty to our customers and consumers to ensure they receive the freshest, highest-quality produce.
In addition, we have a responsibility to give back to our community. Among New York City boroughs, the percentage of families who experience food insecurity is highest in the Bronx. By partnering with Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC), we can combat this challenge by providing access to fresh fruit and vegetables to those in need.
Over the past two years, A&J Produce Corp. has had the honor of partnering with HPAC, a Bronx-based nonprofit organization that ensures all Hunts Point residents have access to the necessary academic, social, and mental health tools they need by offering high-quality programs and services for local children, youth and families.
The year-round programs aim to broaden children’s horizons and help them foster a love of learning, gain aptitude for critical thinking, and develop an appreciation for the arts and sciences. HPAC focuses on building community, empowering parents, and ensuring all children have the resources, skills and confidence to believe in their limitless potential.
As soon as A&J was introduced to HPAC, we knew that this would be an organic partnership. A&J’s relationship with Hunts Point is embedded in our DNA. Not only is this where we conduct business, but also this is a community that makes up a majority of our workforce.
The only way to truly understand what moves the needle on a commodity you buy is to talk about it with anyone and everyone that you can.
At A&J, 70% of our employees live in the Bronx — making this relationship even more special to us. It is our duty to provide and support the people and families who have given so much to us — and we stand alongside HPAC’s vision to expand the hopes and potential of Hunts Point children by connecting every family with the resources they deserve. It is always fulfilling to give back, but it really hits home when it is in your backyard.
In collaboration with HPAC, we have volunteered and donated produce for their annual community events. This included their Back-to-School Fair in which we distributed more than 300 bags of produce, and handed out 415 backpacks to students.
For their Thanksgiving giveaway, we donated 2,500+ pounds of produce (including holiday essentials and a community favorite, plantains).
All of these events could not have been possible without the collective support of the HPAC team, as well as volunteers. As a partner, A&J has witnessed first-hand how these programs made accessible by HPAC directly impact the lives of children and families of the South Bronx.
In May of this year, A&J was honored to receive HPAC’s 2024 Community Hero Award. By working with HPAC, A&J has the continued opportunity to stress the need for healthy eating, which this community so desperately needs.
Both A&J and HPAC are committed to making an impact on the children and families of Hunts Point, creating a seamless and successful partnership. HPAC’s work is transformative in the community, and A&J is proud to add another layer by making fresh produce available.
In 2025, we are thrilled to expand upon our partnership with HPAC. We will be offering educational tours of our warehouse, teaching children about the importance of the food supply chain. By investing in their future and providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, we improve the health and well-being of this community.
It is an honor and a privilege to work with HPAC in an industry that helps feed people. HPAC makes a difference by encouraging hope, instilling confidence, and building community — unlocking the infinite potential of Hunts Point children and families. This is just the beginning of our partnership, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Stephanie Tramutola is the first female in the family to be working at A&J Produce Corp., Bronx, NY. The company was started in 1977 by her grandfather, John Tramutola, and his partners. Today, A&J Produce is one of the largest wholesalers of fresh fruit and vegetables in the Hunts Point Terminal Market, servicing New York and the northeast region.
3 of 25 article in Produce Business December 2024