As the leaves begin to change and the crisp air of fall sets in, now is a great time to look back at some of our recent initiatives to help people lead healthy and happy lives through our commitment to Youth Development, Food Accessibility, and Health & Wellness. From equipping students for a successful school year to hosting a day of healthy fun and camaraderie, we’ve been busy!
Empowering Students with the 14th Annual Backpack Giving Program
For the 14th consecutive year, Taylor Farms has brightened the back-to-school season for thousands of students through its Backpack Giving Program. This year, nearly 5,700 backpacks filled with essential school supplies were distributed to students across 14 locations in the U.S. and Mexico, bringing the total number of backpacks donated since the program’s inception in 2010 to over 43,000. This cherished tradition, which began in Monterey County, California, reflects our deep-rooted commitment to youth development and educational support.
Spearheaded by dedicated team members like Taylor Farms Safety Manager Panchita Preciado, our Backpack Giving Program not only equips students with the tools they need for academic success but also reinforces a sense of community and shared purpose among employees. Like Panchita aptly says, “Education is a cornerstone of our community, and we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year with the right resources.”
Through this initiative, Taylor Farms continues to play a vital role in empowering our future generation, one backpack at a time!
Supporting Academic Dreams Through the 2024 Annual Scholarship Program
Taylor Farms’ commitment to education extends beyond school supplies. This year, our Annual Scholarship Program awarded over $600,000 in scholarships to 37 exceptional students through three new categories: The Extraordinary Scholarship, The Innovative Scholarship, and The Employee Scholarship. The new format reflects our commitment to inclusivity and growth, with scholarships now available not only to high school graduates but also to current Taylor Farms employees.
Since its inception in 2008, the program has provided over $4.1 million in scholarships to 281 students, empowering them to pursue their educational dreams at four-year universities, junior colleges, trade schools, and more. “By investing in education and the academic aspirations of our communities, we are building the foundation for continuous opportunity,” says Taylor Farms Chairman and CEO Bruce Taylor.
We are proud to support these outstanding individuals as they strive to achieve their academic goals and build a better future for themselves and their communities!
The 2024 Taylor Farms Ranch Run
The Taylor Farms Ranch Run was a day of fun, fitness, and community spirit. Held on August 25th, 2024, this event brought together 200 participants and over 250 attendees, including Taylor Farms employees and their families, for a day of healthy activity and celebration. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Taylor Farms Ranch, the Ranch Run featured 10km and 5km races, along with a 1-mile event for kids. The scenic routes offered participants a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the ranch in an active way.
But the day didn’t end with the races; participants and attendees enjoyed post-race festivities that included games, dunk tanks, refreshments, and snacks. Every finisher received a medal, and the top performers were recognized with awards in each race category.
The Ranch Run exemplified our commitment to promoting health, wellness, and plenty of fun within our Taylor Farms community, creating lasting memories for all who attended. We can’t wait for the next one!