[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 159 (Tuesday, September 15, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5603-S5604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING FRESCO FOODS, INC.

 Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
a small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit 
at the heart of our country. Today, I am delighted to recognize a small 
business that provides healthy prepackaged meals and fosters community 
development. This week, it is my privilege to honor Fresco Foods, Inc., 
of Tampa, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  In 2014, Rob and Tracy Povolny founded Fresco Foods in Tampa, FL. 
When Rob was laid off by a corporate food seller, he chose to pursue 
his goal of establishing a high-quality packaged food company. Using 
their savings, retirement, and some loans from friends and family, they 
rented space in an industrial kitchen to create their recipes. That 
December, they began selling their ``Eat Fresco'' meals at local mom-
and-pop grocery stores. Their healthy, satisfying meals were an instant 
hit.
  Six years later, Fresco Foods has grown into a thriving company with 
more than 120 employees. In 2017, a U.S. Small Business Administration 
7(a) loan enabled Rob and Tracy to establish their own 12,000 square 
foot production facility, creating more than 100 jobs. Their 
ingredients are sourced from a local distributor, and their product 
packaging is eco-friendly. In 2018, Fresco Foods reached a major 
milestone when they began selling their products in a handful of Publix 
stores. Today, Fresco Foods stock their ``Eat Fresco'' prepared meals 
in all 1,252 Publix locations across seven States. Additionally, they 
are working to launch a prepackaged breakfast line later this year.
  Together, Rob and Tracy have prioritized business mentorship and 
ensures Fresco Foods supports the community. Through podcasts and by 
conducting workshops, Rob and Tracy have shared their experiences, 
teaching entrepreneurship to future small business owners. Fresco Foods 
regularly donates to local organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay. They 
also work with Metropolitan Ministries to employ graduates of its 
culinary technical training program. For its success and innovation, 
Fresco Foods has been recognized by local media and business outlets, 
including the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
  Like many Floridian small business, Fresco Foods jumped in to help 
their community during the coronavirus pandemic. As Florida went into 
lockdown, philanthropic organizations experienced a drop in donations 
as demand for their resources surged. Rob and Tracy donated hundreds of 
``Eat Fresco'' meals to homeless shelters and domestic violence 
shelters in the Tampa area.
  In April 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration launched the 
Paycheck Protection Program, a small business relief program that I was 
proud to author. The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small 
businesses and

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nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rob 
and Tracy used their PPP loan, which Fresco Foods received in April, to 
keep all of their employees on payroll until Florida reopened.
  Fresco Foods, Inc., is a notable example of how small businesses can 
achieve commercial success, and remain committed to investing in their 
communities. Congratulations to Rob, Tracy, and the entire team at 
Fresco Foods. I look forward to watching your continued growth in 
Florida and beyond.

                          ____________________