The annual John Montgomery Memorial Citrus Drive is in the final phase. As noted in our meetings, we have California oranges again this year. We are using California oranges because of their quality versus the high maintenance aspect of Florida oranges. And as you know, we couldn’t get Florida oranges last year, and Florida oranges were not available again this year. The source of the grapefruit could not be Florida this year because of storm damage to the groves. Working with Humphrey's Market, we found a quality source for the grapefruit in Texas. The cost for a large carton 3601 Mayflower Boulevard in Springfield. California oranges is $8.00 to $10.00 higher than what we paid for a large carton of Florida oranges. Consequently, this year we raised the price for all large citrus cartons to $60.00 except for grapefruit which is $55.00 for a large carton. Accordingly, the price for all small citrus cartons is 35.00 except for grapefruit small cartons which will remain at $30.00. We extend our thanks to all the members who bought and sold fruit.
The citrus was delivered to the Underfanger Warehouse, 3601 Mayflower Boulevard in Springfield, on December 2. We made our major donation of oranges to the Foodbank on December 4 (see article in this Newsletter). Volunteers, including Karl Affrunti (Springfield South), Bill Sturm, Randy Erford, Kevin Johnson, and me helped make the half and half boxes and small boxes for customers. We will commence with the major distribution of fruit from the warehouse to customers on Friday, December 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with volunteer assistance from Larry Golden, Harry Mitchell, Barry Tobias, Bill Sturm, and me. On Saturday, December 7, we will distribute fruit from the warehouse to customers from 8:00 to 1:00 p.m. with volunteer assistance from Bonnie Styles, Roger Randolph, and me. Customers must bring their Customer Copy of the receipt for fruit pick-up.
Our customers continue to recognize that nutritious citrus makes a great holiday treat or gift. In addition, the citrus we acquired will keep for an extended period of time, so it doesn’t have to be used in a short period. The oranges can last for five to six weeks; the grapefruit can last for ten to twelve weeks. Many of our customers also bought citrus for the Central Illinois Foodbank. This choice provides citrus for regional foodbanks and pantries. The profit from the citrus sale will be used to help other local charities through community grants and support. See the separate article in this newsletter on the donation to the Central Illinois Foodbank.