Employee volunteers from the Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) partnered with Gregory’s Fresh Market, a local nonprofit focused on providing healthy food options for area seniors and veterans, to support the Veggies-for-Veterans food distribution drive last week. The drive was also co-sponsored by State Farm Insurance and Peddler’s Son Produce. APS volunteers helped assemble and distribute 700 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to veterans.

Jeff Guldner, CEO of APS, who is also a veteran, was part of the team of APS volunteers. “I served as a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy, and I’m pleased to participate in the food distribution event. I couldn’t be prouder of our APS employees for demonstrating the power of volunteerism in putting energy behind Veggies-for-Veterans and improving the quality of life for veterans in need.”

Diana Gregory, CEO of Gregory’s Fresh Market, coordinates sponsors, volunteers and produce vendors to provide thousands of pounds of produce to area seniors and veterans. “Nearly 25 percent of veterans have diabetes and many more show signs of pre-diabetes. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an essential part of any healthy diet. A goal of the program is to help educate veterans about diabetes the role a healthy diet plays in preventing or controlling diabetes. We are thankful to APS for their help in supporting the cause.” Held five times a year at the Carl T. Hayden VA, 650 E. Indian School Rd., Veggies-for-Veterans brings together community partners to offer healthy food choices for veterans. The goal of the mobile-market event is to help teach veterans how to shop healthy and to encourage them to have healthy choices in their diet.

Gregory’s Fresh Market is a division of Diana Gregory Outreach Services, whose mission is to enrich lives through healthy eating. They do this by providing access to fresh produce for low-income seniors, veterans and vulnerable individuals experiencing health disparities. Their services are focused on holistic health, nutrition and fitness through on-site farmers’ markets and educational programs.