After millions packed the streets and parkways of the nation's capital Tuesday, an estimated 40 inaugural balls across the Washington area played host to revelers from around the nation and indeed the world, serving the finest food and drink to those who had come to take in this unique hallmark of the Democratic process.

Two United Fresh member companies saw the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor take center stage at several of these high-profile events celebrating the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Delivering fresh product to six inaugural balls held Tuesday at the Washington Convention Center, Belair Produce, Inc. of Hanover, Md. provided 1700 lbs of Grimmway Farms baby carrots, 700 lbs. of broccoli florets, 600 lbs. of grape tomatoes, 680 lbs. of celery sticks and 300 lbs of diced tomatoes totaling nearly 4000 lbs of produce.

Normally servicing D.C.-area clients Monday through Saturday, Belair Executive Vice President Rob Mumma said that some changes were required given the heightened security surrounding the Inauguration.

"We hit all of our D.C. accounts on Sunday, using Monday for minor fill-in, and we're back to normal today," Mumma said, adding that no additional stops were made on Inauguration Day. "We've seen a definite uptick in business, and we're cautiously optimistic about what's coming down the pike."

Mumma, a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va., added "it was fantastic to see my alma mater march in the Inaugural parade."

Providing produce for balls held at the U.S. Senate, Washington Hilton, Washington Grand Hyatt, Newseum and the J.W. Marriott, among others on Tuesday night, was the Keany Produce Co. of Landover, Md, but the company's involvement didn't stop there.

On Monday night, Keany provided a combination of locally-grown and organic items for the Green Ball, hosted by former Vice President Al Gore at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. The company collaborated closely with the even'’s head chef to provide for a menu of sustainable, organic and local items.

"With the incoming administration's emphasis on sustainability, the local and organic food movements seem to be a real focus of events surrounding this Inauguration," said Keany Sales Manager Roy Cargiulo.

Keany also extended its normal six-day schedule to accommodate clients concerned that they may be affected by the large crowds and security perimeters of the Inauguration.

"We started work nearly two weeks out, setting up guidelines for our larger-volume and fresh-cut clients, and special orders. We also set up a 24-hour hotline for customers in need of last-minute troubleshooting," said Cargiulo. "We found that the key was to be in touch early, in order to better help our clients be prepared." 

Cargiulo added that working in a post-9/11 Washington has helped prepare his company for the Inauguration’s additional security measures.

"We have a number of accounts where our vehicles are searched and sealed before they are allowed to proceed, so we felt much better prepared for the added security during the Inauguration."