GONZALES, Calif. – Misionero, a leading grower and pioneer in the organic leafy greens category for more than 40 years, is celebrating the expansion of its Smiles Behind Your Food initiative. The program has been an ongoing investment for the company’s team and demonstration of its dedication to serving those who help them serve others.
The company recognizes that transformative innovation doesn’t happen without an incredibly talented and dedicated team. In response, Misionero has created a scholarship program as an investment into the people that are as real as the produce Misionero creates. The program is designed to help ease the financial burden for the company’s employees and their families. The inaugural set of awards went to 20 bright college students at the beginning of this year, and the company will offer another opportunity for students to apply in the fall.
“Smiles Behind Your Food is about giving back to those who give so much to our company,” said Pete Donlon, Vice President of Misionero. “We want to empower our employees to feel like they have a voice in our company, and provide resources to broaden opportunities for their families. A company is only as good as its employees, which is why we’ve stayed in business for so long – our employees set the superior standard.”
Additionally, the company has modernized its facilities and taken continuous steps toward an Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certification. When completed, Misionero will be the first fresh-cut processor in the US to earn this certification.
Misionero’s Vice President has worked with EFI since it was a pilot program, and the company now believes it’s paramount to breaking barriers and creating an environment of trust and open communication throughout its team. Not only does EFI certification bolster food safety, but it also puts leadership into the hands of employees. Out of a myriad of organizations to choose from, EFI was chosen because it encourages an employee-led leadership team.
“Obtaining an EFI certification is a rigorous process,” added Donlon. “It requires extensive training in each of our offices – we have completed training in Yuma and Gonzales, and are now beginning in our Los Angeles facility. We want to ensure that employees understand each facet of the business, because transparency is an essential part of any successful team.”
To learn more about Misionero’s heritage and innovative practices, and to see the wide range of products offered, please visit https://www.misionero.com/.
# # #
About Misionero
Misionero, founded in 1973 by Floyd Griffin, is a leader in the organic specialty salad category. Misionero grows, harvests, produces and packages high quality, vegetables grown year-round. Additionally, the company produces products sold under the Earth Greens Organic, Garden Life, and Green Wave Farms label. For more information, visithttps://www.misionero.com/.
