Farmworker development organization Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) and Stemilt Growers are featured in the short film “A Holistic Approach to Resilience,” 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,” LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications for EFI said in a news release. “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 to strengthen workplace culture, according to the release. 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,” explains 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.”
While the series is branded content, participation is based on a rigorous review process highlighting values-driven, impactful businesses, the release said.
