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Category Archive: News

1. Gourmet Get-Togethers + Giveaways

   May 4, 2020 3:24 pm

   We’re headed toward the last few weeks of Summer, but don’t you worry, we’ve partnered with our friends at Lantana Foods to keep the celebrations going. Not only are we headed into a three-day weekend, but Football Season kicks off next week! We’ve got you covered with some tasty and easy party bites AND giveaways that call for excessive celebration — keep reading!

   Celebrate Summer’s last hurrah with a three-day weekend full of tasty and delicious snacks. Take in some of those last few summer rays with an outdoor picnic and a little help from our Taylor Farms Organic Veggie Tray. Choose to dip in our delicious creamy ranch dressing, Lantana Foods Beet Hummus or Edamame Hummus – the flavor combinations are endless!

   

   For the perfect backyard BBQ eats, checkout our recipe for Buffalo Chicken Flatbread, and whip up some simple some Cauliflower Tacos, made with 3 Pepper Hummus and Black Bean Hummus so there’s something for your vegetarian friends as well! Yes please!

   Want more? We’re giving away a month’s worth of Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kits, a shipment of veggies and a month’s worth of Lantana Foods Hummus over on our Facebook page. All you have to do is:

   1. Follow Taylor Farms + Lantana Foods on Facebook (we check!)
   2. Tag at least 3 friends
   3. Share your Labor Day Weekend Plans with us!

   Giveaway closes 9/3 at 11:59pm PST. Open to US 18+ only. Goodluck!

   Let the celebrations continue! Football season = Snack season. If you’re looking to top last year’s tailgate, try throwing together a colorful and fresh veggie spread. Pick up one of our Organic Veggie Trays and make them your own by adding extra snacks such as pretzels, hummus and beer (of course!). Your guests will be thrilled that they have some healthy snacks to munch on while they’re shouting at the tv.

   And what’s a football viewing party without some nachos? These Avocado Tomatillo Hatch Chile Nachos come together in under 10 minutes and will really kick your party up a notch.

   Head to our Instagram to win this ultimate tailgate party pack made up of Taylor Farms veggies trays, a month of chopped salad kits and a month’s worth of Lantana Foods Hummus. All you have to do is:

   1. Follow @yourtaylorfarms + @lantanafoods on Instagram
   2. Like the post
   3. Tag at least 2 friend and share your football team!

   Giveaway closes 9/4 at 9am PST. Open to US 18+ only.

   See? The end of summer isn’t so bad after all. Sign up for our newsletter to receive more delicious giveaways, fresh new product announcements and more!

2. Scholarship Program

   April 28, 2020 6:17 pm

   Taylor Farms has continued a committed approach to education through our annual Education Scholarship Program. This summer, ten $5,000 scholarships were awarded to children of Taylor Farms employees. CEO Bruce Taylor and Retail President, Mark Campion, were among Taylor Farms leaders who awarded the scholarships to the Salinas based recipients and their families at a beautifully hosted luncheon.

   To help encourage the completion of their degrees, each student will continue to receive $5,000 per year for up to four years if a 3.0 GPA is maintained. To date, 46 scholarships have been awarded to the kids of our employees! Some of winners chosen universities include; University of California Berkley, California State University Monterey Bay, Fresno State University, University of Portland, Sacramento State University, and California State University Long Beach.

   A little about this year’s winners:

   • Ruben Ramirez: His mother, Amelia, works for Taylor Farms Retail. Ruben is transferring from Hartnell College to UC Berkeley this Fall to major in Biology. He is a part of the Student Support Services/ TRIO and MESA programs as well as the SIMA (Students Interested in Medical Association) club.

   • Mario Lopez: BOTH Maria’s parents work at Taylor Farms; Yolanda & Ceon! After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services from CSUMB, she plans on obtaining her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Specifically has a passion for helping the elderly. Currently is interning at the Central Coast Center for Independent Living as a community organizer.

   • Diana Chavez: Diana’s father, Jose, is a Taylor Farms employee. Diana is moving onto CSUMB in the Fall. She recently participated in the Skills USA dental assisting competition and was awarded the bronze medal.

   • Geraldine Villa: Geraldine’s mother, Elli, works for Taylor Farms. Her goal is to become the first person in her family with a college degree. She will attend Sacramento State to major in Criminal Justice in the Fall. Her goal is to become a lawyer and return to this community so that she can take cases for less fortunate citizens. She says “they can take away your house, car, cell phone etc. but no one can ever take away your education.”

   • Chris Manderson: Chris’ father, Mike, is a Taylor Farms employee. Chris will be attending the College of Engineering at the University of Portland in the Fall. He took an Aerospace Engineering class where they built a rocket that flew almost 30k feet into the sky. His current role as captain on the high school baseball team has taught him how to get along with others and how to be a good leader.

   • Vanessa Aguilera BOTH Vanessa’s parents work at Taylor Farms! Her mother is Maria and Father is Osvaldo. She will attend Fresno State University in the Fall and hopes to eventually become a nurse practitioner. She currently has straight A’s and was accepted to both of her top schools, Fresno and Sacramento State as well as CSU Bakersfield.

   Other Recipients Include:

   • Jessica Santos
   • Jessica Hernandez
   • Gabriela Aguirre
   • Elidia Hernandez

   Congratulations to our group of bright and hardworking recipients, we are so proud of your ambition and efforts!

3. Three Taylor Farms Facilities Become TRUE Platinum Zero Waste Certified

   April 24, 2020 12:13 am

   Our mission to be North America’s favorite maker of salads and healthy fresh foods begins with a healthy environment. This means that as we continue to grow our business to better serve families and customers across North America, we do so responsibly by preserving a healthy environment for future generations.

    We are excited to share that Taylor Farms has received the U.S. Green Building Council TRUE Platinum Zero Waste Certification at three facilities in California while simultaneously achieving 90 percent energy independence from the utility grid through unique microgrid solutions. Together, their unique suite of investments and programs reduced 175,000 metric ton (MT) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in just two years, equivalent to 37,000 cars off the road annually. 

   The three facilities in Monterey County are the first fresh food facilities to achieve the highest level of TRUE zero waste certification, diverting over 95 percent of materials from the environment, incinerators and landfills. 

   “Now more than ever before, we are noticing a shift in customers, consumers and business partners to be increasingly more aware of the source of their food and the sustainable practices behind that food production,” said Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Taylor Farms. “We are proud that Taylor Farms is at the forefront of developing and identifying sustainability practices that are breaking down barriers and establishing new norms within the industry. Consumers should be confident that our product offerings are helping them to lead healthy lives while contributing to a healthy environment and healthy communities.”

   

   “We commend Taylor Farms for their leadership and climate action achievements, which have made a positive impact in our shared sustainability journey.” Townsend Bailey, Director – North America Sustainability, McDonald’s.

   Building an industry first groundbreaking microgrid and Environmental Management System (EMS) takes entrepreneurial drive and strategic partnerships. Taylor Farms proudly partnered with like-minded organizations who share a mission to preserve environmental health. The microgrid energy solutions are made up by renewable and alternative energy sources including solar, wind, fuel cells and cogeneration. Through the support of Concentric Power, Bloom Energy, REC Solar and Foundation Wind Power, Taylor Farms’ energy investments have made it possible to reduce the environmental impact while also unlocking financial value.

   Through the EMS programs, Taylor Farms pledges to roll-out zero waste programs nationally, establishing a new standard for environmental sustainability throughout the country with the support from partners like sustainability consultants, Measure to Improve (MTI). Taylor Farms’ dedication to environmental sustainability doesn’t stop with these projects. The company has over 10 major sustainability initiatives across North America including solar, wind, fuel cells, cogeneration, zero waste, water recycling and more. 

   “When implementing Taylor Farms EMS program, our main goal is to preserve a healthier world for future generations to come. We are so thrilled to have been recognized and receive this historic certification for the work we are doing at these facilities,” Nicole Flewell, Director of Sustainability, Taylor Farms. “It’s exciting to look forward to the future and start to understand the change that we can have as an industry if we continue to put sustainability at the forefront of our efforts.”

    

    

   We have been investing in renewable and alternative energy solutions since 2012 in pursuit of energy independence for our facilities. We want clean, reliable and affordable energy to power our operations across North America to conserve resources.

4. A ‘Sweet Kale’ A Day: 5 ways to make a meal with your favorite kit

   April 23, 2020 8:49 pm

   There’s a reason everyone loves our Sweet Kale Chopped Kit. It’s a simple, delicious and naturally sweet way to fuel up on those superfoods! With a vibrant blend of kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and radicchio, and delicious toppings such as cranberries and pumpkin seeds, this kit offers a sweet and savory flavor combination hearty enough to be a main meal. We’re big supporters of just eating it straight out of the bag, but you can also complement the creamy poppyseed dressing by adding grilled chicken or nutty quinoa.

   

   If you reach for this kit on a weekly basis and are looking for a fun unique way to enjoy it, try one of these recipes that will carry you throughout the week, starting with these heart (and belly) warming Grilled Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by One Sweet Mess. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a salad during colder months when all you really want is a hearty warm meal, and you get the added nutrition from sweet potatoes which promote gut health.

   

    

   Wake up to an easy, breezy, and oh-so-delicious breakfast that will launch you into the day. If you haven’t tried sautéing our chopped kits, it’s time to give it a try. All you need to do it cook the salad kit greens in a pan, and top with an egg and the toppings and voilà, you’ve just made a breakfast of champions in minutes. Grab the full recipe here and serve with a tasty matcha latte.

   

    

   With Spring just around the corner, add this Rustic Spring Sweet Kale and Egg Tart to your repertoire. You’ll want it handy for those upcoming family gatherings, picnics, baby showers, Easter and more. All you need is some puff pastry, our Sweet Kale Chopped Kit and homemade or store bought pesto. Grab the recipe by Food Fashion Party here.

   

    

   Complement the flavors of our Sweet Kale Chopped Kit with a simple topping to deliver an outstanding plant-based salad. Whip up these cinnamon cauliflower bites in under 20 minutes for a go-to topping, and snack, that the whole family will love. Try it with your favorite chopped salad kit!

   

   Meatless Monday just got yummier with a little help from our friend Marie Reginato who is sharing how to make these delicious Red Pepper Falafels in just 20 minutes for a satisfying entrée salad. It’s so good, you won’t even miss the meat.

   

    

   Thanks for showing so much love to our Sweet Kale Chopped Kit! Be sure to share how you enjoy it by tagging us on Instagram, and enjoy a coupon as a thank you from our family to yours!

    

    

    

    

5. Taylor Farms Becomes a Blue Zone Certified Workplace

   April 16, 2020 6:40 pm

   We’re excited to share that Taylor Farms is one of the three companies in Monterey county that have become a Blue Zone certified workplace, alongside Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, and Montage Health. The areas of which our team has excel in our our getting up and move motive, walking groups, and social activities for our staff. Inspired by the world’s longest-lived cultures, Blue Zones Project is a well-being initiative designed to unite communities with a common goal of making healthy choices easier. The innovative initiative draws upon more than 200 evidence-based practices to help community leaders across public and private sectors make sustainable changes that promote a culture of health.

   

   Even moderate daily physical activity, including walking can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Every little bit of physical activity adds up. In our office headquarter parking garage, there are four blue zone parking spaces meaning that they are the furthest away from the elevator to give employees the option to get extra steps in. The blue zone parking spaces are reminders for employees to get those extra steps in and easily add more physical activity to our/their day.

   We have incorporated hourly breaks for our employees to climb stairs. We have a blue zones staircase on the side of our building to promote more physical activity. Our team is encouraged to take micro breaks with one another to go out on one of our walking paths or take the stairs for a break of physical activity.

   Taylor Farms hosts a number of annual events for their staff to engage and socialize in, including: Relay for Life Wine Night, Taylor Farms Scholarship Luncheon, an annual rooftop BBQ, and annual Christmas party.

   

   Having a work environment that builds teamwork and collaboration starts with having healthy relationships among co-workers. Friendly relationships among co-workers create a sense of belonging and improves morale, which leads to higher employee retention and job satisfaction. It also encourages sharing of knowledge and innovation, and enhances individual and organizational productivity. These factors make your organization a desirable place to work. Arranging formal or informal social activities is undoubtedly the most effective way to bring employees from various departments together to interact, have fun, and connect.

   To learn more about Blue Zones Project in Salinas, or ways you participate, be sure to visit www.bluezonesprojectsalinas.com.