Stemilt and EFI Featured in New International Series

Film Highlights Resilient and Inclusive Food Supply Chains Through Collaboration

WASHINGTON – Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization, and Stemilt Growers, a leading grower and packer of apples, pears and cherries, are proud to share A Holistic Approach to Resilience, a new film in which both companies are featured, presented by B Lab Global and produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions for Once Upon a Farm.

The short film is part of the global series, Common Good, launched in May 2025, which explores how certified B Corporations are working to weave environmental and social performance, transparency and accountability into their core mission by addressing critical challenges in ways that benefit businesses, workers and society. 

In the film, Jane Kuhn, director of sustainability at Once Upon a Farm, reflects on the role of businesses in driving positive impact. “Even amidst all the complexities and challenges, I believe that businesses should and can be positive change agents,” she shares. “We can support positive impact and positive change in the supply chain.”

Once Upon a Farm was selected from among global B Corp submissions to be included in the series. “Once Upon a Farm’s pioneering commitment in becoming the first consumer product goods company to source EFI-certified products and pay the EFI premium, perfectly embodies how businesses can truly be positive change agents,” said LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications for EFI. “The partnerships built between EFI, Stemilt and Once Upon a Farm have created positive impacts on the workers, the environment and the products.” 

The film highlights how EFI’s unique workforce development model, centered around leadership training, collaboration and problem-solving, has been implemented at Stemilt, strengthening workplace culture. Maggie Torres, Stemilt’s manager for business partners and people experience, is featured in the film, sharing her background as a farmworker and her commitment to listen to workers and to integrate their feedback into the operation. 

“Our partnership with EFI has deepened our commitment to continuous improvement and to our Stemilters, who are the people behind our fruit,” explained Brianna Shales, marketing director at Stemilt. “We have always invested in our people and the planet, but when that commitment is recognized by customers and consumers, it brings a higher standard to the industry at large and creates a ripple effect of positive impacts.”

Ruzzamenti added, “What makes this story worth sharing is not just that these three companies are doing the right thing – it’s that they’re doing it together. Real resilience comes from shared purpose and true collaboration, and that’s what this film captures so well.”

The film recognizes the challenges faced by and deep knowledge required of farmworkers, with Kuhn also sharing that “Farmwork is hard work. It’s skilled work, and I think it’s crucial we remember that behind every apple or fruit pouch on the shelf, there are many hands and many people who made it happen. Stemilt is one of our key suppliers, and they quickly stood out as an example of a supplier that doesn’t let complexity equal complacency.”

The content is part of the Common Good series, which was produced by the commercial content division of BBC Studios for B Lab Global and participating brands. While the series is branded content, participation is based on a rigorous review process highlighting values-driven, impactful businesses.

EFI and Stemilt encourage viewers to explore the film and join the conversation about creating a collaborative and sustainable food system.

To view the full film, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLEoLrU86PI

About Once Upon a Farm
At Once Upon a Farm, Farm-Fresh Tastes Grow Here™. We’re on a greater mission in providing organic, crave-worthy, snacks and meals for children of all ages. Our delicious and thoughtful recipes are crafted with only the best organic ingredients – whole fruits and veggies picked, then cold-pressed (our pouches), freshly frozen (our meals) to perfection, refrigerated oat bars, and our new line of farm fresh tasting pantry snacks – to support growing kids at every stage and milestone. All of our products are organic, non-GMO project verified, contain no added sugar, and are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives – just simple, real, nutritious food your entire family will love.

About EFI 

Equitable Food Initiative is a multistakeholder, capacity-building and certification nonprofit that works to improve the lives of farmworkers and drive business performance by integrating worker engagement throughout the supply chain. EFI brings together growers, farmworkers and retailers to create assessment, training and organizational development programs that support continuous improvement and address the industry’s most pressing challenges. For more information about Equitable Food Initiative, visit equitablefood.org.

About Stemilt 

Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of tree fruit. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt’s mission is to cultivate people and delight consumers through excellence with its World Famous Fruits. Stemilt is a leader in sweet cherries and organic tree fruits, and a key supplier of apples and pears. The company stewards an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible business through its Responsible Choice® program, which has been in place since 1989. For more information about Stemilt, visit stemilt.com.