Markon Cooperative Joins Labor of Love to Show Worker Appreciation
SALINAS VALLEY, CA - Markon Cooperative, along with several of its foodservice members, is the most recent ag company in Salinas, CA, to join Labor of Love.
“At Markon, one core value is that people matter – and we know how critical to our success the people that harvest and pack our products are,” said Tim York, Markon’s President, according to a press release. “Through our partnership with Labor of Love, we are able to acknowledge and thank the dedicated people who work in the fields every day to ensure we are able to offer the best produce to our foodservice customers.”
Yesterday morning, the two sides surprised a crew harvesting and packing Markon Fresh Crop label romaine with breakfast on the farm, as well as gift cards to Walmart.
“Harvesting is a difficult profession and requires a commitment and unique set of skills,” Steve Alameda, President of YFVA and grower, commented. “When we find the right workers, we want to make sure we take care of them, respect them, and celebrate their invaluable contribution to the industry. This program showcases our work force and thanks them for their hard work.”
Foodservice members present were:
- Ben E. Keith Foods
- Gordon Food Service
- Gordon Food Service Canada
- Maines Paper & Food Service
- Nicholas & Company
- Reinhart Foodservice
- Shamrock Foods Company
In addition to breakfast, gift cards, and other random acts of kindness, Labor of Love has a website and a Facebook page with posts devoted to sharing the stories of various farm workers. Launched in 2015, the unique program looks to thank those who serve the ag industry, starting as a grassroots effort by the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association (YFVA), a Yuma group made up of growers, shippers, and agriculture subsidiary professionals.
Thousands of farm workers have been personally thanked for their hard work through Labor of Love, with personal stories having been shared with millions within the Yuma and Salinas Valley communities and beyond.
The program will continue in the Salinas Valley through September, so stay tuned to see what random members get hit with gratitude next!
