“What’s happening is absolutely gut-wrenching. American farmers are doing their best to feed the world, but fighting an impossible war on unfair standards because of imported produce. The same agency that sets standards for American farmers to adhere to then turns around and allows imports from countries that aren’t expected to uphold those same standards. Their produce sells for pennies on the dollar and they are turning a massive profit while American growers are struggling to stay afloat. This unfortunately is not a new problem, but add in a global pandemic and we now have a very real and grim situation. The demand for our produce has dropped drastically due to restaurant industry closures, as well as schools, and even places like Disney World, in addition to limitations placed at retail locations. We are begging and pleading with you… PLEASE buy American grown produce. Ask your local grocer to stock it and don’t settle for anything less. Come buy straight from the packing house if you have to!“ Farmers Alliance in Immokalee wrote on Facebook.

Two Saturdays in a row, the Farmers Alliance held a Last Chance produce sale in order to clear their packing houses for the next week’s incoming fruits and vegetables. The cash only sales were done via drive through at the Immokalee packing house, and purchases were made by the case. At just $10 per box the sale included Grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, zucchini, squash, green beans, cucumbers, and various kinds of peppers. Whole watermelon were just $5.

One customer said, “I’m feeding a family of 9, and this helps us out so much!”

“We thank you all so much for coming and buying from us. You guys are awesome!” cheered one of the Farmers Alliance staff as she gathered and loaded the large, heavy cases for each customer waiting in line.

The next day, social media became flooded with photos and videos of the process of canning green beans, spaghetti sauce, pickled peppers, and salsa were uploaded by locals who had bought cases of produce from the Farmers Alliance.

“Ask and you shall receive!! We had an overwhelming response last weekend and y’all blew us away! We wanted to make sure we are satisfying your need and want for fresh off the farm produce, so we will be having another produce sale this Saturday with an exciting new option: MIXED PRODUCE BOXES NOW AVAILABLE!! We will have a limited quantity of these, but will continue to have our wholesale boxes and watermelons as well. Drive up and cash only!“ the Farmers Alliance responded on Facebook.

The next Last Chance Produce sale will be held at the Farmers Alliance packing house, this Saturday, April 11, at 212 Jerome Drive in Immokalee from 10:00 a.m. Until 2:00 p.m. it is drive up only, and they ask that you stay inside your vehicle. Sales are cash only as well.