Reidsville, GA – Shuman Farms has always led the produce industry in important initiatives such as food safety, cause-marketing, brand advocacy, and more. At this year’s Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Innovations, the team will discuss the meaningful sustainability priorities they are currently focusing on.
“It is important for us to make sure we are putting forth relevant sustainability initiatives that will make a positive impact on our world,” explained John Shuman, President & CEO of Shuman Farms. “We understand how these actions affect our people, our products, our community, and the planet itself. We are fully committed to creating full transparency in all the processes we follow to bring our products to market.”
In addition, Shuman Farms is announcing the recent promotion of Broc Davis to Sustainability and Operations Lead. In his new role, Davis is responsible for researching and implementing programs that will help the organization make the most significant impact.
“Broc has been instrumental in many of the programs we currently execute including our farming practices focused on conservation, our company-wide recycling program, and continuously finding ways to reduce plastic and cardboard in our packaging,” Shuman commented. “He has been able to seamlessly assume his new role, focusing on the priorities that are at the forefront of the sustainability conversation.”
Davis has been an operations manager with Shuman Farms for 11 years and manages the organization’s grower relations, food safety program, new varieties, and packaging sourcing.
“I look forward to not only finding new solutions, but also helping share the story of our current successes,” said Davis. “We know this is an important topic for consumers and I’m excited to engage in these conversations.”
According to TrendWatching’s Business of People research, 70% of US consumers want to know what organizations are doing to address social and environmental issues. Of those surveyed from Generation Z, 72% indicated they research what brands are doing to make an impact before making a purchase decision.
Shuman Farms also continues to focus on educating consumers about the important role that fresh produce plays in a healthy lifestyle. Their Healthy Family Project® team works every day to inspire and support families with resources centered around nutrition, physical activity, and mental health.
“Introducing the next generation of shoppers to produce is sustainability in action,” explains Shuman. “They will be the ones buying our products in the future and we want to engage them as soon as we can to ensure the produce department is the first stop they make when they enter their grocery store.”
“Of course, we also must acknowledge that we have a hunger crisis in our country,” Shuman continues. “As farmers and food producers, it is our responsibility to help in any way we can to tackle food insecurity.”
According to Feeding America®, in 2021, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help putting food on the table.
Shuman Farms’ Healthy Family Project is celebrating 20 years of giving back to families in need. Through the organizations’ combined charitable efforts, they have raised more than $7.5 million and donated more than 16 million meals to Feeding America.
Attendees at SEPC’s Southern Innovations are invited to stop by the Shuman Farms booth (# 600) to discuss these programs and more.
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About Shuman Farms, Inc.
Headquartered in the center of the Vidalia® growing region in southeast Georgia, Shuman Farms is an industry-leading, year-round grower, packer, and shipper of premium sweet onions. Learn more about Shuman Farms at shumanfarmsga.com.
About Healthy Family Project®
Healthy Family Project believes in creating a healthier generation. As a cause marketing organization, Healthy Family Project creates programs, like Produce for Kids®, that provide easy, fun, and inspiring recipes and healthy ideas. Since its creation in 2002 by Shuman Farms, Healthy Family Project has raised more than $7.5 million to benefit children and families and provided 16 million meals through Feeding America. To learn more about Healthy Family Project and healthy eating, visit healthyfamilyproject.com.
About Feeding America®
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 6.6 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.
