The shocking news and images continue to come out of Los Angeles, California around the historic wildfires that began Tuesday morning. While at this point the fires largely look like they're affecting communities, homes, and the loss of lives rather than produce-growing areas, could the movement of produce be impacted?
To begin with, it is affecting businesses including Gelson's Markets which posted Wednesday on LinkedIn that its Pacific Palisades store was lost due to fire. "Our La Canada location is currently under mandatory evacuation and remains closed until it is safe to return. Additionally, our Calabasas store has been temporarily closed due to fire warnings, and we continue to prioritize the safety of everyone involved. These closures, while necessary, underscore the profound impact these fires are having on our communities," noted the post.
Photo: Cal Fire
Logistics impacted?
As for moving produce through the reason, there are streets around affected areas that are closed down for traffic. "However, this fire has been going on for the last 72 hours so there is not a big problem with stores running out of food/produce yet outside the fire zones of traffic," says Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Los Angeles-based Melissa's/World Variety Produce, which is working with local organizations, including the Red Cross, to help ensure food is available for those displaced by the fire.
Another example of a company offering support is Instacart. To support the Los Angeles community and make it easier for people to get the groceries, pet supplies and essentials they need, the company is waiving the delivery fee on all grocery and daily essentials orders of $10 or more for a limited time for customers in Los Angeles county.
Produce is expected to continue to move through the region smoothly, even as the fires continue to burn. "Relief is on the way in the fire-affected areas and we are most concerned with the safety of people who need or needed to evacuate from their homes and especially the firefighters that are doing their best to put out fires," adds Schueller.
For more information:
Robert Schueller
Melissa's Produce
Tel: +1-800-588-1281
[email protected]
www.melissas.com