Bruce Taylor, Taylor Farms, recognized for Boys & Girls Clubs aid

Bruce Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, Salinas, Calif., and the company have been named the recipient of the Roosevelt William President’s Award in recognition of philanthropy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The award, from the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County, is named after the man who founded the club in 1968. Taylor and the company will be recognized (virtually) during the club’s annual Youth of the Year event, according to a news release.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of families in Monterey County facing food insecurity, but individuals like Taylor and companies including Taylor Farms are helping to ensure children and families are fed, according to the release.

Taylor, chairman of the Produce Marketing Association, and Taylor Farms have affected thousands of children in the area through a donation to the club’s renovated Teen Center.

“While Bruce’s leadership and contributions to PMA and the fresh industry are widely known, he also spends considerable time and energy giving back to the Salinas community,” PMA CEO Cathy Burns said in the release. “PMA’s vision is to ultimately grow a healthier world, and Bruce exemplifies that by preparing the next generation of leaders through the Clubs’ college-readiness program and other initiatives.”

The event will be Oct. 28. The JV Smith Cos., Smith Family Foundation and an anonymous donor will award the Youth of the Year, who will compete regionally as part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year.

Funds raised during the event to the Clubs’ College and Career Readiness Program, according to the release. Members of the industry can donate in Taylor’s/Taylor Farms honor by registering online.