Equitable Food Initiative and Once Upon A Farm Promise Premium Pay for Farmworkers with Partnership; LeAnne Ruzzamenti, John Foraker, and More Comment
BERKELEY, CA - Responsible sourcing is taking a step forward as childhood nutrition leader Once Upon a Farm partners with Equitable Food Initiative (EFI). The partnership marks a significant commitment to sourcing and paying premiums on produce from EFI-certified suppliers.
"As the first CPG company to make this type of commitment, Once Upon a Farm is exhibiting its visionary leadership and putting its values into action," remarked LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing and Communications for EFI.
The company has set a goal to source 7,000,000 pounds of organic produce from EFI-certified suppliers, covering an estimated 30 percent of ingredients purchased for its core portfolio in 2024, according to a press release.
Premiums will be directed to non-salaried farm employees as a bonus, recognizing their essential role.
"At Once Upon a Farm, we believe that to drive the systemic improvements in childhood nutrition we are committed to, we must also drive systemic improvements to how our food is grown, picked, and produced. A healthy food system begins with healthy farmworkers," stated John Foraker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Once Upon a Farm.
The partnership aims to positively influence farmworkers, the fresh produce industry, and beyond, potentially setting a new benchmark for responsible practices in the sector.
"Everyone deserves safe, healthy, and respectful working conditions—farm workers included. This isn't just an ethical imperative, it's a business imperative. Farmworker well-being translates into better product quality and food safety," emphasized Jane Kuhn, Director of Sustainability at Once Upon a Farm.
The impact of this partnership extends beyond corporate responsibilities, directly affecting the lives of farmworkers.
"EFI is about providing a safe environment for farmworkers and allowing consumers to have transparency about what they're eating," shared Yadira Vargas, a worker in Stemilt's Quincy orchard.
Go even more in depth with the partnership, its impacts, and more by reading the full release here. And for more groundbreaking news on partnerships and responsible work sourcing in the industry, ANUK is the place!
