JV Smith Companies Walks The Walk On Employee Wellness

YUMA – JV Smith Companies, a Yuma-based agriculture company is proof that the workplace is far more than just work.   Their team has catapulted employee health and wellness to a new priority level. The fresh produce company has long been an advocate for healthy eating.  Rightfully so as they are one of the leading producers of fresh vegetables in the Yuma and Baja California, Mexico areas.  Their staff, approximately 750 at peak season, has now upped the ante with the addition of a popular employee led fitness program to round out their wellness efforts.

When participating in any 5k or 10k in Yuma, one can’t help but notice the red JV Smith Companies shirts huddled before the big race, accompanied by team spirit and camaraderie that mirrors other team sports.

The JV Smith Companies team has accomplished more than some individuals will accomplish in a lifetime. Their story starts at the start line, continues around the company “water cooler” and ends with quantitative (and qualitative) results. The employees have the opportunity to be recognized for their strength, their endurance, their shrinking waist line, and their team spirit.

According to the United States Department of Labor, the average person spends more time working than anything else throughout a 24 hour day.  When one looks at it from that perspective, time at the office becomes far more valuable.  When a team can incorporate health, community, family and other important life components into the workday, they can make that time even more meaningful.  

And, meaningful they make it. It is not uncommon for co-workers to exercise together or start a new menu plan together.  The staff has developed two structured programs, Skyfit and Cosechando Salud, to ensure that every team member is included in their wellness plan.   Ashley Davis, Wellness Coordinator, shared this, “Currently, we are doing a 10,000 steps challenge with a goal to take 10,000 steps (approximately 5 miles) in a day, four times per week. We have 34 employees participating and it is our 6th week.”  Employees were reimbursed 50% to buy a personal fitness tracker.   Ashley can be seen rooting on the office team one day and then in the field, educating the field team on health and nutrition the next.

The commitment to community plays a role in their overall wellness programs. For years, their employees have been giving to the Yuma Community Food Bank.  Regardless of their title or their pay scale, many choose to donate to this worthy cause every paycheck.   Since 2011, their employees, along with a match donation from CEO, Vic Smith, have donated over $63,000.  Rosa, JV Smith Companies Safety and Benefits Director shared, “As a mother of two I feel that no child should ever be hungry therefore I happily donate and encourage all those that can.” What a testament to the idea that donations to community causes don’t have to be large sums of money…it is very true that every dollar counts!

Walking the walk on a daily basis is tough without a leader that does the same. At JV Smith Companies, the buck stops at the top with owner and CEO Victor Smith and his administration team. Smith’s passion for healthy eating and for paying kindness forward is clearly evident to the team.  However, he is quick to deflect any recognition. “I feel very fortunate to work with such a compassionate, dedicated group of people.  Every day, I’m amazed by their kindness, their level of commitment and their real sense of team!” said Smith. “It’s good for the soul to be surrounded by a happy, healthy group of people that are making a difference in the lives of others.”

Source: JV Smith Companies