Patricia Robbins, Farm Share Inc. CEO, received the 2016 Quality Senior Living Award (QSLA) on Aug. 9 at the Florida Conference on Aging in Orlando.
QSLA is an annual Florida Power and Light (FPL)–sponsored awards program designed to recognize professionals and volunteers who significantly impact the lives of Florida seniors.
Under Robbins leadership, since its inception in 1991, Farm Share Inc. has distributed more than 400 million pounds of food, with a value of more than $733.6 million.
In Homestead, Florida City, Pompano Beach, Jacksonville and Quincy, Farm Share specializes in acquiring donated fresh fruits and vegetables from Florida’s farmers, putting it into the hands of millions of low-income households in need of nutritious foods.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, Farm Share also receives and distributes non-produce donations and commodities from other sources such as wholesalers, brokers, individuals, retail stores, the USDA and a variety of other food producers and manufacturers from across the state of Florida.
After receiving the donation of food products, Farm Share then re-sorts and packages the foods for distribution to individuals, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, senior centers, and other organizations
Through its five statewide facilities located feeding the hungry in Florida — free of charge.
“I feel honored to be acknowledged for Farm Shares practices by Florida Council on Aging,” Robbins said. “We work closely with senior centers throughout Florida to provide quality produce to senior citizens on a weekly basis, our staff is humbled to know that their work has been recognized on a state-wide level.”
“Power of the Past, Force of the Future” was the theme for this year’s Florida Conference on Aging. Hosted by the Florida Council on Aging, the conference featured more than 60 presentations, plus plenary sessions and an exhibit show. The Quality Senior Living Awards program celebrated its 34th year of recognizing individuals and organizations that display exceptional service to Florida seniors. This award is given annually to a Florida Council on Aging (FCOA) member whose actions reflect a high level of personal or organizational commitment on behalf of Florida seniors.
For more information about Farm Share events, volunteering, or becoming a partner agency visit www.farmshare.org.
