Florida Farm Growing Big to Fill Food Box for Families

Posted by Paul Rusnak|June 1, 2020

L&M Farms is a major producer of vegetables in the Southeast U.S. The operation based in East Palatka, FL, grows on more than 7,000 acres across two states. Despite challenges set forth by the coronavirus, the company was ready to step up and do its part. Under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, L&M Farms Inc. will provide 432,000 pounds of assorted produce weekly to local food banks.

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Adam Lytch, Operations Manager for L&M Farms in East Palatka, FL, grew up on a farm and figured a career in agriculture would be in his future.
Photo by Frank Giles
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L&M Farms has enjoyed good demand for broccoli and now offers it as an organic option for its buyers.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Potatoes have been a core item on the farm for many years. Recently, L&M has added to its portfolio with more specialty potatoes.
Photo courtesy of L&M Farms

L&M was among farm applicants chosen by USDA to represent the Southeast Region and participate in the government agency’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program. According to a news report, L&M was awarded nearly $1.9 million to supply food banks in need with plentiful produce.

Earlier this month, USDA approved $1.2 billion in contracts through the Food Box Program.

Among the larger local food banks that stand to benefit from the 28,800 weekly boxes are Feeding Northeast Florida in Jacksonville, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Daytona Beach, Bread of the Mighty in Gainesville, First Step Food Bank in Ocala, and Florida Gateway in Live Oak.

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