The Produce Moms Podcast

In the realm of education, the significance of nutrition in the lives of students cannot be overstated. Proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in their growth, development, and overall well-being. To delve deeper into this topic, we had the privilege of hosting Christine Clarahan, a renowned expert in school nutrition, on our podcast.

On the Produce Moms Podcast we are going to be diving into a new series focused on school foodservice. In these upcoming episodes, we're going to have some thought-provoking discussions as we tackle important topics like childhood nutrition, food sustainability, budget constraints, and the ever-evolving world of dietary preferences. Stay tuned!

In a world that often prioritizes profit over purpose, it's heartening to see businesses that put social and environmental responsibility at the forefront of their mission. B-Corp, or Benefit Corporation, is a certification that recognizes companies committed to balancing profit with a positive impact on society and the environment. One such shining example is NatureSweet®, a company known for its delicious tomatoes and dedication to sustainability. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Skip Hulett, Vice President, and General Counsel for NatureSweet®, to discuss their journey as a B-Corp and the values that drive their success.

"When I started 25 years ago doing this, there was a huge disparity between leadership roles of Latinos in kitchens."

Chef Aarón Sánchez

Because restaurants are so prolific across the United States, there are many, many jobs in kitchen service, but historically an under-representation of Latinos in chef and managerial positions. Out of the almost 150,000 chefs currently employed in the United States, 60% are white, followed by Latino chefs at 17%.

Chef Aarón Sánchez– who you may recognize as the award-winning chef/owner of Johnny Sánchez in New Orleans, or from culinary TV shows such as FOX's MasterChef, Food Network's Chopped, and Cooking Channel's Taco Trip– knows this from personal experience.

When Chef Aarón started in the restaurant industry 25 years ago, he saw the huge disparity between leadership roles of Latinos in kitchens and thought through what needed to change in order to remove barriers and excuses. In 2016, he founded the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund to begin closing that diversity gap, offering impactful opportunities that allow Latino youth to move up and be taken seriously.

The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund began with Chef Aarón and his friends hosting dinners and parties to raise money to fund scholarships for culinary education. The program grew and became more formalized, and in 2022 the Fund formed a partnership with the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, a nationwide program focused on developing and supporting youth; Jennifer Killian was brought on board as Director.

As of 2023, the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund has awarded almost $1 million in scholarships to 14 individuals. Its stated mission is to uplift the lives of Latino youth across America through food, doing so through three pillars: Culinary Arts Education, Mentorship, and Human Services.

"His goal is to help uplift these young Latinos who have the vision to chase a culinary dream, because the kitchen leadership is not as diversified as it should be at this day and age."

First, the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund provides scholarships to send young Latinos to award-winning culinary arts education programs in New York City. After they've learned foundational skills and mastered the administrative portions of their curriculum, students spend time with food leaders within different sectors to better define what arena of the food service industry they want to go into, and internships are tailored to their strengths and interests.

Chef Aarón is the primary mentor, but students are encouraged to make a list of people that they admire and would like to learn from. Chef Aarón and Jennifer then work to facilitate those mentoring relationships.

Human services work is the newest arm of the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, giving money through grant programs that improve food access, nutrition education, and crisis feeding initiatives. The first human services grant, in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, supported a California school system with a large number of parents working in agriculture. They had been awarded a commercial refrigeration unit through a grant to help provide produce, dairy and meats to students, but lacked the funding to have it professionally installed. The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund granted gap funding for the installation, helping to triple the amount of produce that these children will be able to access.

"This is the type of work that we would like to do more of as we continue to grow. And of course, that's all based on fundraising. The more we can bring in, the more we can give and the more lives we can change." Jennifer Killian (22:03-22:14)

The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund welcomes all donations to help support its mission, as well as opportunities to spread its message. No donation is without impact!

You can find out more about the fund at aaronsanchezimpactfund.com, and learn more about Chef Aarón (including the podcast he hosts with his mother, Cooking In Mexican From A to Z) at chefaaronsanchez.com.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!

• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

On today's episode, we talk to Jill Castle whose career spans over two decades, during which she has dedicated herself to the mission of helping parents and caregivers lay the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits in their children.

Her expertise extends beyond just nutritional knowledge; it encompasses a deep understanding of child development, psychology, and practical strategies for success.

Agriculture lies at the heart of our nation's prosperity, and the Farm Bill plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of this essential industry. As we approach the reauthorization of the Farm Bill in 2023, the International Farm Policy Association (IFPA) has been working diligently to ensure that the legislation addresses the ever-evolving needs of farmers, rural communities, and the environment.

On today's episode, we'll have guests, Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition and Health at IFPA, and Rebeckah Adcock, Vice President of US Government Relations, discussing IFPA's vital role in the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization and highlight some key areas they are focusing on.

Rebecca Margetts is the General Manager at Taylor Pass Honey Company, a leading honey producer in New Zealand that crafts award-winning Manuka honey.

Manuka honey is known to have significant antibacterial properties. Genuine Manuka Honey is only produced in New Zealand and is given a score called a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) that indicates its antibacterial potency.

Today's show is all about one of my favorite Superfoods: Taylor Pass Manuka Honey

Unlocking the Power of Aronia Berries with Blake Johnson, CEO of American Aronia Accelerator.

In the world of superfoods, one name stands out as a pioneer in harnessing the potential of aronia berries: Blake Johnson, the visionary force behind the American Aronia Accelerator. Through his dedication and unwavering commitment to health and wellness, Johnson has propelled aronia berries into the spotlight, shining a light on their exceptional health benefits and culinary versatility.

On today's episode of the podcast, we will hear about how his determination led him to establish the American Aronia Accelerator, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at unlocking the berry's nutritional prowess.

In a world where health-conscious choices are becoming more prevalent, the demand for nutrient-dense foods has skyrocketed. Enter WP Produce, a company dedicated to delivering the finest tropical fruits that not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide a plethora of health benefits.

Join us as we dive into the world of superfoods packed into the Tropical Fruit Box and get to know the minds behind this nutritious endeavor, Desiree Morales and Chris Gonzalez.