The Produce Moms Podcast

"There is such an incredible profile of nutrition in each tiny button of a mushroom."Mike O'Brien (15:20)

Founded in 1971, Monterey Mushrooms is the national leader in mushrooms. Their 4000 employees supply retailers and restaurants around the country with over 200 million pounds of fresh mushrooms each year. One of the best things about Monterey Mushrooms is that they are always locally grown!

Bruce Knobeloch, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development, and Mike O'Brien, Vice President of Sales and Marketing are passionate about mushrooms. They are both long standing key players in the produce industry supply chain, and have a deep appreciation for all of the workers who are doing their best to serve you during this uncertain time.

"Ultimately we service the consumer. That's what we do, and that's what we think about 24/7." - Bruce Knobeloch. (5:10)

You, the consumer, are the top priority for Monterey Mushrooms during this time. As members of the produce chain, Bruce and Mike have great insight into how the recent pandemic has affected the industry, and how suppliers are continuing to move forward.

Mushrooms are trending up!

While the food service industry has taken a hit to the gut, and produce as a whole has suffered, retail sales have spiked as consumers are preparing more meals at home. We've said this before, but one of the silver linings of this chaotic time is the return of family to the dinner table. More families are staying home, buying fresh, and planning and preparing healthier meals.

Produce sales have increased by 11%, and retail mushrooms sales are up 24%!

If you've had any concerns about purchasing fresh, Mike shared that produce is safe! It's always important to wash your produce before you use it, but these are the only precautions you should take to make sure you are putting safe, clean produce on your family's plates.

Vitamin D mushrooms.

Did you know that mushrooms grown in the sun produce vitamin D? However, most mushrooms today are grown indoors. Monterey Mushrooms partnered with the USDA to come up for a solution to this problem. They have created a unique environment to replicate sunlight and grow mushrooms that contain notable amounts of vitamin D.

A two-thirds cup of sliced Monterey vitamin D mushrooms, or 5 medium button mushrooms, provide 10mcg vitamin D. That's 50% of the recommended daily amount!

Making sure you have adequate amounts of vitamin D in your diet can lower risk of osteoporosis, enhance immune function, and help with concentration and memory.

Mushrooms and the rise of plant-based diets.

Plant-based diets have been gaining popularity for some time, and mushrooms have had a 'center of the plate' view! Their natural umami flavor and meaty texture make them a great candidate for a meat alternative. The portobello has been taunted as the original meat alternative!

Need some ideas on how to serve portabella mushrooms to your family?

"Mushrooms have had such a 'center of the plate' view of the plant-based diet." -Bruce Knobeloch (12:30)

If your family isn't ready to sub mushrooms for meat, that's ok! There are so many easy ways to 'sneak' some mushrooms onto your family's plate. They make an incredible nutrition boost to any meal you're serving.

Mince your mushrooms and add them to your burger meat.

Blend mushrooms into your sauce the next time your family has pasta night.

Blending mushrooms into your meats is a great way to eat more plants. We want our children to eat all of the fruits and vegetables, but there are certain items that can be a challenge. And don't forget the budget component! Adding mushrooms to your meat is a fantastic way to make your meal go a little further. Leftovers, anyone?

Storing mushrooms at home.

When it comes to mushrooms, the process is simple. The most important thing to remember is to keep them cool - the sooner you can get them into the fridge, the better.

If you're planning to use them right away, that's all you need to do. However, if you are planning to store them for several days, take the mushrooms out of the packaging, put them into a brown paper bag, and return them to the fridge.

Make sure to thoroughly rinse immediately before use.

It's that simple!

As we navigate this current unexpected season, we are committed to keeping you informed, while helping you and your family stay safe and healthy. The next time you grab your groceries, look for Monterey Mushrooms! They'll be a delicious addition to your dinner table.

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.
• For more information on Monterey Mushrooms, including some delicious recipes, visit their website.

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!

"Food safety is the paramount goal for everyone in agriculture."

Lori Taylor (16:42)

Jennifer Pulcipher is the Director of Food Safety and Compliance at North Bay Produce. With a degree in Food Safety from Michigan State University, and nearly a decade of experience in the field, she is an expert when it comes to keeping your food safe from the field to the fork. She oversees all programs related to safety and security of the supply chain to secure the integrity of food we buy in our local grocery stores.

North Bay produce is a grower owned cooperative with farms located throughout North and South America, and are also a big importer and exporter, supplying consumers in the United States with safely grown berries, apples, beans, peas, and dried fruit.

Whether the produce is grown practically in your backyard, or exported from around the world, the strictest standards are implemented to keep your food safe!

All of their suppliers are third party audited to the Global Food Safety Initiative - the overarching body that sets the highest standards for farms around the world- with a focus on ag practices, manufacturing practices, fair treatment of employees, hygiene, and cleaning/sanitation.

"Regardless of where your food is grown, if it's sold in the United States are food safety regulations that are required of all growers."

- Lori Taylor (3:20)

World Food Safety Day is just around the corner (June 7th), but really, food safety is of paramount importance every single day in the produce industry! This is a great time to talk about the steps taken in every single link of the supply chain to ensure you have safe, nutritious produce in your refrigerator.

What is food safety?

Food safety is somewhat of a buzzword today. We hear it tossed around a lot, but what exactly does it mean?

Technically speaking,

"Food safety is the practice of preventing chemical, physical, and biological contamination of food by using science and risk to evaluate systems." Jennifer Pulcipher (4:50)

Simply put, food safety is an everyday practice of protecting the food from field to fork

And it's important to know that everyone- even you- has a role to play to ensure they consume safe nutritious vegetables.

What are the day-to-day steps to ensure safety?

From the seed in the ground, to the smile on the consumer's face, food safety is implemented every step of the way.

"We all want to provide safe, nutritious, wholesome food for our families." Jennifer Pulcipher (9:00)

Let's take a look at some of the measures put in place to make sure your food is clean and ready to eat!

Growing

Safe produce starts with healthy soil. North Bay Produce makes sure the soil growing your produce has adequate levels of minerals and nutrients to grow hearty, healthy crops.

When it comes to irrigation, clean water is crucial. This is one of the very first steps taken to ensure safety.

Harvesting

Healthy bodies are the epitome of what it takes to harvest clean specialty agriculture crops. These crops are delicate and require a human touch, as opposed to a mechanized harvesting process. For this reason, harvesters have to maintain strict hygiene standards, and are trained in best practices to ensure your food is clean from picking to packing house.

Packing

A lot of hands are involved in the packing process. Produce is put into boxes or clamshells and then packed to be transported. This is the most involved stage, and a lot of consideration has been put into a data driven, technological system to help each piece of produce reach its final destination in a safe and hygienic manner.

Shipping and distribution

This part of the process is almost seamless. The packaged food goes straight off the packing line into a warehouse, and then is transported to its new home - schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and ultimately your home!

Food Safety Standards in Your Home

Like we shared earlier, YOU are a part of the food safety process. Practicing The CORE 4 - Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill - is the best way for you to ensure the food that goes into your family's mouth is safe for consumption.

When it comes to your produce, remember...

• Fresh fruits and vegetables should be Clean. Rinse them under cold, running water. Nothing else is needed.
• Separate your produce from raw meats and eggs to avoid any contamination.

What about recalls?

Never do we hear more about food safety than when there is a recall. With so much information swirling around on the internet, how do we make sure we have the most up to date information?

The FDA is the most reliable source, as they are the first line when initiating a recall. You can even subscribe to their recall notifications so you receive information first hand anytime something is publicized!

North Bay Produce partnered with the United Fresh Produce Association in their Recall Ready Team. This is a program specific to North Bay Produce to focus on prevention. Their goal is to assess issues and mitigate them before it becomes an actual problem for the public.

If there is one thing we hope you take away from this article, it's that there is a whole team of people who are looking out for YOU, the consumer. Our highest priority is to provide food that is delicious, fresh, and safe! Happy World Food Safety Day!

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.
• Visit The Partnership for Food Safety Education - for more information about food safety and preventing food borne illness, including fun, educational games for your kids!
• You can find North Bay produce on their website, or on social media platforms.

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!

"We have created this content over Zoom and in our home kitchens. It's inspiring to look at how many people are enjoying it, and bringing this goodness into their homes."Lori Taylor (30:38)

Celebrating our beginning and looking towards the horizon.

Eight years ago Produce Mom founder, Lori Taylor had her first healthy cooking demo at a local Indianapolis library. She welcomed ten visitors to join her in a celebration of the flavor, freshness, and the enjoyment that can be found in putting together a meal that is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Since then, we have welcomed millions of individuals onto our website and have been welcomed into homes, cars, and afternoon walks all over the world through our podcast.

At The Produce Moms we feel so strongly that food is culture. It doesn't matter where you live, what career you pursue, or what family means to you, food is a common thread that unites us all.

We are so excited to be celebrating the 100th episode of The Produce Moms Podcast! Wow! If you know anything about podcasts, then you must realize that starting a podcast is hard, and maintaining one is even harder.

We want to take a little time to talk about The Produce Moms, take a look at what's on the horizon, and thank the people who made it possible- YOU!

Everything has changed, but nothing has changed.

It felt most fitting, as we take a look back at the past two years, to start with the most recent events. COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. In the midst of so much uncertainty, we have adapted but our core values and our mission has remained unchanged.

Our number one priority is you, and our goal was to tell the stories from the frontline. We wanted you to have the chance to hear from the growers, the retailers, and the individuals in between, so you can fully understand why things look a bit different in the grocery store lately.

In episode 99, we shared more about the produce that was thrown away to help you understand why. We know that to become a trusted resource, you have to always speak the truth and stand by the evidence and facts.

"We have made a commitment to purpose. We are moms, and we are for moms. We are right there with you… at the end of the day, no one cares more about safe and healthy than moms" Lori (13:56)

Most importantly, we want you to know that your produce is safe and healthy. No one cares more about this than moms! If there is anything good in the midst of all of this, it's that we have brought food back to the kitchen table. When schedules are cleared and family is home, there is an opportunity to cook together, eat together, and spend intentional time around the dinner table with those we love the most.

What's new with The Produce Moms?

There are so many exciting new things happening with The Produce Moms! We want to feature just a few. From new ways to engage your kiddos with fresh produce, to new ways for you to represent The Produce Moms in your home, hopefully they'll get you just as excited as we are.

Eat Like Your Favorite Animal

This spring we launched a new initiative with your families in mind. I don't know about you, but in our homes we are ALWAYS searching for new ways to help our kiddos fall in love with produce and explore new foods.

That's why we started Eat Like an Animal, a fun way to learn more about your kids' favorite zoo animals, while introducing them to new foods! Every three weeks we release content about a different animal and their eating habits, complete with a recipe.

Show the World that You're a Produce Mom

We also recently launched an online shop with a wide variety of products. From shirts and onesies to mugs, pet beds, throw pillows, and more, our team has created some products that you are SURE to love.

Be on the lookout soon for our special 4th of July line, full of timeless Americana memorabilia.

"Thank you to every single guest who has made the podcast what it is. We're just getting started!" - Lori Taylor (37:21)

If you've just recently found us, or you hopped in in the middle of our podcast, we want to invite you to take a listen to our first episode. It was, by far, our favorite! It's full of information about how we got started. It's been inspiring to us to see how far we've come, and we think it would be inspiring for you too.

We at The Produce Moms want to thank you one more time for joining us in this journey! We are committed to helping you find the Produce Mom that can be found in all of us. Here's to 100 more episodes!

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!

"The events our American farmers have endured in such a short amount of time with no notice leaves me without words."

Lori Taylor (26:00)

Seth Karm is the CEO of Salad Savoy. Salad Savoy is the brainchild of founder John Moore. After a trip to Sweden, where Moore was blown away by the enticing colors and flavors of the produce grown there, he returned and developed an entirely new vegetable! Since 1984 Salad Savoy has led the way in producing unique, vibrant vegetables that young and old enjoy; as they maintain their focus on color, taste, and nutrition.

Karm has been a longstanding partner of The Produce Moms. He is a business partner, colleague, mentor, and most of all friend. As a member of the produce supply chain, he offers great insight into how the current pandemic has affected the produce industry.

The world [of produce] changed overnight.

March 11th, 2020 is a day that will be marked on our memories, and probably in future history books. It was on this day that the WHO declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic, and life as we knew it screeched to a halt.

Grocery staples flew off the shelves and the doors of so many of the businesses we know and love were locked, boarded, and abandoned.

Everyone has been affected by the current crisis, but we would be remiss to not take an opportunity to share with you how your produce supply chain has been affected, and highlight the resiliency, perseverance, and community of an industry that refuses to be defeated by this hardship.

When supply becomes so much greater than demand.

On March 11th, as our world shifted by the hour, Karm was in Yuma checking on the Salad Savoy crops that had been growing through the winter season. He shared how beautiful they looked with all of their vibrant colors. Crop supply had been bolstered to prepare for the rise in purchase for Easter celebrations across the country.

Easter celebrations that would not happen this year, as families and friends were forced to celebrate quietly at home in isolation.

Overnight, demand for Salad Savoy crops, and produce around the country was drastically reduced, orders being reduced or cancelled.

"It's so disheartening to know you have this beautiful crop ready to be harvested, and people to harvest it, and generally historical demand for that is just gone" Seth Karm (9:54)

In one week, American farmers experienced $6 billion dollars of loss.

In the midst of all of this loss, there were voices of uproar as pictures of "wasted" crops were uploaded onto the internet.

Photos of crops dumped, plowed over, tossed away and left to rot, urging people to take a stand for something so "unjust" as millions of people in the world are undernourished.

People scoffed that farmers would waste so much produce as people around the world suffered from starvation, including individuals experiencing hunger in our own neighborhoods around the US.

Why Was So Much Food "Wasted?"

So, why was food left to rot, instead of being donated?

There are a few different reasons.

The pictures fail to show the whole story

Those who are frustrated with waste, fail to recognize the amount of food that was donated by farmers.

Salad Savoy donated 100,000+ units to a food bank. Farmers around the country flooded local food banks with produce that no longer had a place to go. There were so many shippers bringing truckloads that some food banks eventually had to turn them away. The supply overwhelmed the demand.

"No one donates more food than farmers. Ask Feeding America. Ask the local food banks. Farmers themselves and partners in the supply chain are making donations" Seth Karm (11:52)

At the end of the day, farming is a business, and the livelihood of the farmer.

Many forget that produce is more than just a staple in our fridge, it is the livelihood of the farmer and the other individuals on the supply chain.

When the demand is gone, oftentimes it doesn't make sense to harvest, cool, and transport a product. At each of these stages there is a cost of both materials and labor. Following through with all of these steps would create a massive loss for the farmer, who is already navigating decline in demand for their product.

"We want healthy people and we've got food in the field, but we can't afford to pack that up for free or we'd be broke in six months"

- Seth Karm (16:48)

How is the Produce Industry Coping?

Increasing the standard of safety.

Karm has assured us that safety has always been the top priority at Salad Savoy.

As food is harvested and prepared for transport, the utmost measures are being taken to ensure that food is safe for consumption. It is a strict operation with regular sanitation, PH tests of the water supply, and regulations for workers and equipment.

If there has been any doubt in your mind, you can rest assured that you don't need to worry at all about food from certified shippers. Salad Savoy is a smaller operation that employs the strictest guidelines, and a good indication of the measures that are being implemented by certified shippers all over the country.

"Food safety has always been the ultimate standard and goal within American agriculture. We have always worked to raise healthy food." - Lori Taylor (23:33)

Partnership with the government

As we all work to find our footing and adjust to a new normal, initiatives are being created to help the produce industry survive and find a new way to thrive.

The USDA recently introduced a new program that will allow the US government to buy produce from farmers. The health and nutrition of our population is more important now than ever, and it is incredible to see how the government is stepping in to join with farmers.

Competition becomes community

Perhaps the brightest spot in all of this chaos is the community that is popping up in unlikely places. As our worlds have grown smaller, community has gotten bigger. Links of the produce chain have started working with their competitors - (for example sharing trucks that would have been half empty), working together to stay afloat and keep the supply chain going.

We all want restaurants to be operational again. We all want to go back to some semblance of normalcy. We're all in this together, and it's together that we will all make it through.

In this time of so much uncertainty Karm encourages us to, "embrace the people around you. Embrace your competitors. Embrace your customers. We're all going through this together, and we're going to be a lot stronger for it."

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!

"Eat well. Move Daily. Be Healthy. That's my mantra. I live by it and try to help others live by it too." Dr. Wendy Bazilian (38:44)

If you love snacking, you aren't alone.

Dr. Wendy Bazilian is a writer, researcher, educator, food enthusiast, award-winning journalist, and a lover of snacks. She is also an ambassador for California Walnuts, and is full of incredibly insightful information about the power walnuts have to fuel a healthy, active lifestyle.

"Today, 95% of US adults say that they snack daily, and 70% say they snack two or more times each day.[1]" - Wendy Bazilian

If you find yourself at the pantry or fridge between meals, you aren't alone! Research indicates that snacks are a regular part of nearly everyone's diet.1

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee report showed that 1 in 4 of our calories come from snacking.[2] This means that a whopping 25% of our daily energy comes from snacks. However, consumer studies also show that snacking accounts for 42% of our daily allowance of added sugars.2 That's a lot of sugar!

Snacks fulfill a variety of needs. They satiate hunger, but also can facilitate comfort, fun, and the sense of community that comes from sharing food. With snacks playing such a big role in our day to day life, there is a huge opportunity for it to fuel a healthy lifestyle!

"You can have flavor, fun, comfort, crunch, you can have all the things you want in a snack… but we should aspire to have a little more nutrition in our snacks when possible." - Wendy Bazilian

With walnuts you can have your "cake" and eat it too.

When it comes to snacking, you don't have to forego fun or flavor in order to make a healthy choice.

Walnuts are an excellent versatile snack option that provide taste and texture, alongside incredible nutritional qualities. Below are a few of the benefits walnuts provide.

• Research has shown that regularly eating walnuts may support cardiovascular and cognitive health.[3],[4]
• Walnuts are the only nut that contains an excellent source of Omega-3 ALA, at 2.5 grams per ounce.
• Walnuts also deliver 4 grams of plant-based protein and 2 grams of fiber per ounce.
• Walnuts contain a host of These are substances found in plant foods that may be beneficial for our health.[5]

Tips to make nutrient-dense choices the easy choice.

To make a healthy snack the easy choice, it's important to find snacks that hit a variety of levels. Even during this time of working from home, it's important that snacks are convenient. One of the beautiful aspects about walnuts is their versatility. They compliment both the savory and the sweet snacking tendencies, and they are the ultimate multitasker.

Here are a few different ways to snack on walnuts!

• Just grab a handful! (The recommended serving size of walnuts is 1 ounce, or about 12-14 halves. A handful is an accurate and "handy" approximation)
• Incorporate them into baked goods
• Blend them into walnut butter
• Puree them to add to dips or spreads
• Use them to top your morning oatmeal
• Top a quick, afternoon salad with a handful

A walnut recipe for your arsenal.

This recipe is an incredibly creative and simple way to incorporate nuts into a snack or even a meal. The ingredients and amounts can be altered to work for your tastebuds and the ingredients you have on hand.

Walnut "Chorizo" Crumble

• Walnuts
• A small amount of liquid (stock or oil)
• Vegetables (Use whatever you have on hand! We like zucchini and mushrooms).
• Beans (Our favorite is black beans!)
• An arsenal of spices to your liking (go spicy, Mediterranean, south of the border, be generous and get creative)

Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until nice and crumbly.

This can be put into grain bowls or tacos, added into hummus or spread on a cracker. The flavors are delicious and the possibilities are endless!

"This is down to earth, approachable nutrition."

- Lori Taylor (36:57)

When it comes to nutrition, it doesn't always have to be so complicated. The numbers show us that we ALL like snacking! With just a little bit of planning, and intentional choices day-to-day, we can eat snacks that fuel our body and help us to live healthier lives! Next time you're rummaging for that afternoon snack, give walnuts a try. Happy snacking!

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.
• To find more great snack recipes visit the California Walnuts website.
• Connect with Wendy Bazilian and learn more about all she does in the world of food!

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!

[1] Mintel Snacking Motivations and Attitudes Report – US, January 2019

[2] Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. 2015. Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee: Advisory Report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington, DC

[3] Guasch-Ferré M, Li J, Hu FB, et al. Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors: an updated meta-analysis and systematic review of controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018;108(1):174-187. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy091.

[4] Arab L, Ang A. A cross sectional study of the association between walnut consumption and cognitive function among adult US populations represented in NHANES. J Nutr Health Aging. 2015;19(3):284–290. doi:10.1007/s12603-014-0569-2

[5] Walnuts offer a variety of antioxidants (3.721 mmol/oz), including polyphenols (69.3 ± 16.5 μmol catechin equivalents/g) and gamma tocopherol (5.91 mg/ounce). The data for antioxidant capacity of foods generated by test-tube methods cannot be extrapolated to human effects. Clinical trials to test benefits of dietary antioxidants have produced mixed results.

"The Do Anything sauces are a seriously simple way to bring everyone to the table."

Lori Taylor (17:05-17:12 )

Do Anything Foods is real food for real life.

As with so many fantastic brands we feature on The Produce Moms, Do Anything Foods was created by busy moms like you who weren't willing to compromise quality for convenience. When Monica Solhotra became mom, she was completely overwhelmed with all of the new responsibilities that accompanied parenthood.

She would plan meals and fill the fridge with fresh fruits and veggies. When life inevitably got in the way and she found herself with a fridge full of produce at the end of each week, she realized she needed a solution to keep them from going bad, and to make them tasty enough for the pickiest eaters.

"To eat healthy you need to be able to take simple ingredients in your home and turn them into a meal, and we all need help… Our mission is to bring healthy shortcuts to the kitchen through smart, accessible products." Monica Salhotra (6:20- 6:34)

Each week, she began blending together an assortment of leftover veggies to clear the fridge. This magic sauce became a dip, marinade, pasta sauce, stew base, etc. You name it, she served it! It was truly a multipurpose concoction that packed a powerful punch of nutrients in the myriad of meals served throughout the week.

Monica Salhotra and Allie Shanholt founded Do Anything Foods, and their magic sauce can now be found online and in stores on the east and west coasts.

What is Do Anything Foods?

Do Anything Foods puts super nutrient dense fruits and vegetables in sauces that you can do anything with.

It's no secret that more people are trying to get back into the kitchen to regularly prepare fresh meals. This sauce is truly a game changer!

They have created a delicious line of five different sauces that have the potential to create countless meal options.

Cauliflower alfredo, kale pesto, butternut squash sauce, tomato veggie sauce, and beet pesto all provide dynamic flavors, vibrant colors, and most importantly, vital nutrients for your whole family. These sauces are all extremely versatile and fit perfectly in place of their more traditional, less nutritious, counterparts.

What is NOT in these sauces.

We already know that Do Anything Foods are full of nutritious and delicious ingredients, but let's talk about what they DON'T put into their sauces.

In the early stages of production, so many people told Monica and Allie that it would be impossible to create their product at scale without taking some shortcuts. Most products you find on the shelves have been heated at a high temperature for long periods of time. This degrades the nutrients. Do Anything opts to use High Pressure Pasteurization to keep ingredients vibrants and fresh and maintain the highest quality and nutrient content.

These magic sauces are organic, non-GMO, with NO preservatives, filler ingredients, or emulsifiers. The only oil they use is organic EVOO, and the products contain seeds instead of nuts to make them safe to pack in a lunchbox for school!

"We are steadfast in our belief that convenience and delicious flavor does NOT mean that you have to take shortcuts in terms of ingredients" - Allie Shanholt (11:25-11:40)

Try this "no recipe" recipe with Do Anything Foods sauces.

When it comes to talking about how to use these sauces, they are so versatile that the sky's the limit!

One easy, delicious favorite is a super simple grain bowl. This is a fantastic go-to for a busy weeknight.

• Prepare grain of choice - we like quinoa or rice
• Add a protein - chicken, tofu, ground turkey, etc.
• Grab some greens and roasted veggies.
• Add all ingredients to the bowl and top with Do Anything sauce of choice!

Believe it or not, the beet pesto is a huge hit. It's sweet and savory flavor combo makes it a great sauce for sandwiches. Try it on a pizza with goat cheese and arugula, or spread it on a burger with some sprouts and avocado.

The tomato veggie sauce is perfect for a soup, stew, or curry. It also makes a delicious pizza sauce!

Finally, for a quick way to take a box of mac and cheese to the next level - prepare as directed and then add the butternut squash sauce! It's rich, creamy, and great way to sneak those veggies in!

Do Anything Foods can be found online and in stores across the East and West coast. Use their store locator to see if their sauces are carried in a grocery store near you.

Do Anything Foods wants to give you an exclusive discount. Order on the website and use the code PRODUCEMOMS15 to get $15 off your first purchase!

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!

"Sustainability is the common thread that unites us all in the world of agriculture."

Lori Taylor (20:15)

The Velazquez de León Family are Pioneers in the Organic Industry.

Mayra and Daniella Velazquez de León are an ultimate mother daughter duo, continuing a rich heritage in the agriculture industry that stretches for four generations. Mayra's father was the first commercial organic banana grower in the world, before the standards for organic farming were even in place.

In 1974, the goal wasn't to be "organic" or to make huge profits, but to grow the bananas "wild" and get them to consumers.

This dream has evolved over the last 40 years. Mayra is the President and CEO and Daniella is the Logistics Manager of Organics Unlimited. Founded in 2000, Organics Unlimited is the largest family-operated organic banana company in America and is the world's top producer of organic bananas. Their supply chain stretches from the West Coast into Canada, and parts of Asia.

Organics Unlimited is committed to providing premium quality organic bananas through a culture of sustainability, caring for communities, and excellent customer service.

"We're giving you something that nature has given back to us and we wanted to make sure we could produce more with an organic system" - Myra Velazquez de León (7:47)

How Organics Unlimited Gives Back.

In 2005, Organics Unlimited began Grow, a program focused on giving back to the growers and growing communities. Historically, the regions where the bananas are grown are underprivileged. Organics Unlimited is working to break the poverty cycle and provide better lives for the workers. For each box of bananas that is purchased, $.60 is donated to the Grow fund. To date, they have contributed over $2.7 million. The funds are managed independently to give accountability and provide transparency, and the main portion of the funds go to scholarship programs to help bolster the education of the communities, and provide a promising future for upcoming generations.

Some Helpful Terms.

When looking at organic produce, it can be helpful to understand a couple of terms that are typically used.

USDA Certified Organic

All Organics Unlimited bananas are labeled with the USDA Certified Organic seal. In order to receive this certification, certifiers visit growing sites each year to test soil, leaves, and fruit. Certified growers are also required to leave a minimal carbon footprint.

Fair Trade

While there are designated fair trade certifications, for a company to be considered "fair trade" they must practice ethical business practices and also do their part to give back to the community.

Why Should You Purchase Organic Bananas?

It can often be difficult to determine whether to purchase organic or conventional produce. While more and more individuals are making the switch, it's helpful to understand the benefits of organic bananas.

People often don't understand the cost involved when growing and distributing organic bananas. In fact, bananas are often sold at a loss in local grocery stores. Supporting companies, like Organics Unlimited, helps ensure that you are putting high quality produce in your body, and supporting a company that believes in the value of caring for the banana growers.

"Of course it's profit driven, but at the end of the day we want to make sure that the growers are getting a fair price for their fruit. Bananas are a product that in supermarkets are often sold at a loss… consumers need to know what the true cost is, so at the end of the day the growers can get a fair price for their product."

- Daniella Velazquez de León (17:40)

Organics Unlimited believes in taking care of our environment, stewarding the soil by not polluting it with traditional pesticides. Their farming methods contribute to soil health, increase biodiversity and improve water quality.

Not to mention, the bananas are practically grown in our backyard. Ninety-five percent of Organics Unlimited bananas are grown in Mexico, and the other 5% in Ecuador..

Conventionally grown bananas often spend 2-3 weeks in transport before they reach our shores. Organics Unlimited bananas spend an average of 2-4 days. This means the bananas are fresher, and the carbon footprint is smaller. In fact, Organics Unlimited has the lowest carbon footprint.

The next time you are grabbing a bunch of bananas at your local grocer, think of the growers, the soil the bananas were grown in, and the myriad of individuals who have put in hours of work to get that bunch into your cart. Organics Unlimited is doing their part to pour intentionality into every link in the produce chain, and hopefully one of their bananas, grown with love, makes it into your cart.

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!

"In agriculture, it's Earth Day everyday!"

Lori Taylor (33:12)

Happy Earth Day!

In the produce industry, every day is earth day. From the farm to your kitchen and beyond, Naturipe is a golden example of what it looks like to live sustainably, taking care of the one earth we have so others will be able to enjoy it for generations to come. They are industry leaders, and we are proud to call them a brand partner of The Produce Moms!

In true celebration of this day, there is no one better to gain knowledge from than Janic McIntosh, a true expert on all things sustainability, and the Director of Marketing Innovation and Sustainability at Naturipe Farms.

"Farmers are caretakers of the earth. Their factory floor is out in front of them, and they have to maintain it." Janis McIntosh (26:12)

Naturipe was founded in 1917 in an effort to support local farmers. The term "local" has broadened in definition, as Naturipe has expanded into several regions of the country and into South America. While the area of influence has multiplied, the mission remains the same. Local growers bring local produce to your local grocery store, and Naturipe supports those efforts all along the way.

These farms grow strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, and avocados, both organically and conventionally.

The farmers of Naturipe farms have been practicing sustainability for generations. They are the caretakers of the earth, and the practices they maintain have allowed them to continue to pass down their livelihood to their children, and their children's children.

Janis' work with Naturipe and Berry Sustainable.

Janis has been working with Naturipe for the past 15 years, and she is passionate about sustainability. Naturipe is a very innovative brand, and has given ample room for Janis and other employees of Naturipe to be forward thinking in their efforts to take care of our planet. Her primary focus has been on produce packaging.

The Evolution of Berry Packaging.

In the 1990's berry packaging moved away from those little green strawberry baskets and paper blueberry crates to the plastic clamshell packaging we see today. This one decision resolved many food safety issues and drastically food waste that was incurred during transportation.

What many people don't realize about those plastic containers is that it is made up almost entirely of post-consumer recycled plastic. In the midst of so much negative press regarding the use of plastic, it's encouraging to see that, when used properly, plastic can be a benefit to sustainability.

"We have to continue to seek out, as consumers, products that are packaged with 100% recycled materials." - Lori Taylor (23:05)

The "jam" in the system.

While this new packaging is recycled, and is ready to be recycled again, there has been one major issue. The paper label creates issues in the recycling plants, at time rendering the clamshell unrecyclable and sending it to landfills.

The Berry Sustainable initiative has created a solution. Plastic labels are being created that will make the recycling process a breeze!

Naturipe has partnered with competitors to help find the solution to this issue. By the year 2025 all berry farms will comply with the new packaging standards.

What an incredible example of coming together in unity to help make our world a better, cleaner, more sustainable place to live!

"We need the big companies to change the packaging. They will drive the whole economy out to local companies… it starts this whole closed-loop system" - Janis McIntosh (24:00)

When big companies, like Nestle, begin implementing sustainability measures into their practices, the whole economy begins to transform. Local companies have the supply of recyclable goods that can be sold to the big companies, creating an incredibly beneficial closed-loop system!

Sustainability is more than just taking care of the earth.

Naturipe understands that packaging is just one aspect of sustainability. They cultivate with care, and are very involved with the communities where they farm, doing their part to give back. Initiatives like charitable giving, providing dental services to children, school lunches, trash pickup, and even providing a town in Chili with internet so the children would have access to educational resources. To take care of the earth, it's important to also take care of the people who live in it.

How can we do our part?

Sustainability doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of big retail companies, local recycling plants, or companies like Naturipe. There are several things that we, as consumers and Produce Moms, can do to help!

"People don't realize that part of the issue is that our recycling infrastructure is broken" Janis McIntosh (17:30)

• Be educated on the products that should and should not be recycled.
• • Be mindful of what you put into your recycling. There are often things that make it into recycling that don't belong there. There are real people sorting through your recycling by hand in those plants.

• Be an advocate for recyclable goods.

• Use your voice! Contact your local recycling plant and urge them to recycle other things. They may be unaware of the changes happening in the industry that are making way for more products to be recycled.

• Look for the How2Recycle label.

• The How2Recycle movement is giving great instructions to help the public know how to recycle packaging. Look for the black and white label on packages, and visit their website to see who recycles what.

• Clean your recycling.

• This is a simple, but important thing you can do to help recycling efforts. Before you put packaging into recycling simply wipe it out. There is no need to wash, or even rinse, just a simple swipe with a cloth or paper towel will do! Remember, there are real people sorting through your recycling by hand.

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.
• To learn more about the incredible work of Janis and Naturipe Farms visit their website 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!

"One thing I do know is that this industry, the produce industry, we're unstoppable together. I have never been more proud to work in agriculture than I am right now"

Lori Taylor (27:53)

In the face of a global pandemic, our produce industry is stronger than ever.

Ashley Nickle is the Retail Editor for The Packer Newspaper and Editor in Chief of the Produce Market Guide. Ashley has been part of the Trade Press for almost four years, and is a respected journalist focused on the produce industry.

As so much in our world is rapidly shifting, it seemed so fitting to bring Ashley in as an expert to speak to the effects of COVID-19 on every aspect of our produce chain - from grower to consumer.

"There has been a reverberation throughout the whole supply chain." Lori Taylor (16:30)

In the span of a week, our produce industry experienced an unprecedented shift. Historically, the industry has been a 50/50 split between food service and retail. However, as the recent pandemic has ramped up in our country, the entire supply chain experienced a seismic shift.

Restaurants have all but shut down, and establishments without an established carryout/delivery model have been forced to reevaluate and restructure their business model, cancel orders, and some have had to close down completely.

In the midst of such bleak events, Ashley was able to share the silver linings that can be found, and the remarkable resiliency of the produce industry that provides a needed reminder to us all that the world may look a little different right now, but in the end everything is going to be ok.

What effect is COVID-19 having on retailers and how are they responding?

I'm sure you've noticed the ways that your local grocery store has shifted in operation over the last few weeks, all in an effort to keep stores stocked, and keep you, as the consumer, safe.

In the final week of March, and the first weeks of April, grocery store sales rose to that of Thanksgiving week. However, unlike Thanksgiving week that is accounted for with extra staffing and early preparation each year, the unforeseen nature of the bump in sales necessitated some quick thinking in the retail industry. As consumers, we see the end result, shelves being stocked or empty. However, every link of the chain was affected - packing sheds, loading docks, growers, the workload changed for everyone overnight.

"A supermarket is just a supermarket until something big happens, and then everyone realizes they really are community institutions... it's really amazing and remarkable and they're doing really important work." - Ashley Nickle (39:04)

And it's astounding how well the supply chain has weathered the demand. Ashley has spoken to a number of different supplies - potatoes, onions, berries, bananas, and the message they've given is important, and reassuring.

In the face of increased demand, the supply is doing great. Rest assured that our produce industry is resilient, prepared, and capable of handling the increased purchases as the world cooks at home.

"Our supply chain has this under control. Stores are getting restocked consumers are able to purchase what they need, and oftentimes in such a simple format like a curbside pickup or even having it delivered right to their home" Lori Taylor (19:46)

The power of teamwork.

It has been incredible to witness the innovative partnerships that are being formed because of the current pandemic. Associations such as the United Fresh Produce Association and the National Grocers Association are banding together to help make sure produce isn't wasted and consumers have access to the food they need.

As restaurants, schools, and other establishments no longer have the need for sizable orders of produce, UFPA and NGA are connecting those companies that wouldn't traditionally work together. Instead of cancelling orders, the distribution is reallocated (i.e. instead of going to a restaurant, a delivery is taken to a local supermarket that has been unable to keep up with the increased demand).

Why you should feel confident purchasing more produce during this time.

People are cooking at home in a way they never have before. This may be one of the most positive aspects of this dire situation. We are returning to a simpler time. Returning to the dinner table as a family whose obligations have been cancelled and schedules have been cleared. We are cooking at home, a "task" that is timeless in nature.

As we all try to stay safe and healthy, produce plays such an integral role. Various expert sources have reassured the public that COVID-19 is NOT transmitted through food or food packaging. Now is the time to increase produce consumption to bump up your immune system. It's good for body, mind, and spirit.

"COVID-19 is not transmitted through food or food packaging… the stores are doing everything they can to maintain proper sanitation at point of sale. Continue to purchase fresh produce, eat it with confidence, and lean on us in the industry if you need inspiration or have any questions" Lori Taylor (22:59)

As you may be adjusting to life at home, and perhaps more time spent in the kitchen, we're here to help you get creative. Our website is full of resources to help you keep things fresh and exciting, with recipes for the whole family. The produce industry is resilient, and will keep up with increased demand in the face of such uncertain times. Now is the time to join together like never before.

As an industry, a nation, and a world, we are unstoppable together!

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.
• Stay up to date with the news on COVID-19 and produce, and other important information at The Packer.
• For a treasure trove of recipes to help you keep cooking at home exciting, visit our website.

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!

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.