The Packer and Equitable Food Initiative are putting “people first” with a content partnership that highlights the companies, organizations and individuals who are making a difference in the social responsibility space. After two popular webinar series, the collaboration returns in fall 2022 with a 12-episode run on The Packer’s “Tip of the Iceberg” podcast. Running through March 2023, the episodes will feature voices from across fresh produce discussing topics from mental health and workplace safety, to the importance of diversity and more.
“We are thrilled to feature EFI as an expert contributor and to learn from them and the groups that they work with,” said Amy Sowder, The Packer’s retail education editor and “Tip of the Iceberg” host. “Achieving social responsibility can seem like a daunting undertaking, but this series will deliver real-life stories and easily implementable steps that most organizations can apply to their own operations.”
The podcast series will debut in early October on the heels of September’s Farm Safety Week. Farmworkers face a high incidence of accidents and injury, with more than 100 workers per day facing lost-time injuries that cost the agriculture industry more than $8.3 billion annually, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health.
“EFI has always been committed to elevating the lives of farmworkers and fostering safe workplaces,” said LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing communications at EFI. “Some of the best opportunities and ideas for change come from workers themselves, and we’re proud to partner with The Packer to share stories from the men and women who are creating change in their organizations.”
Added EFI Executive Director Peter O’Driscoll: “The fresh produce industry has taken major steps forward on food safety and sustainability, but now is the time to take the same leadership role to elevate social responsibility. Situating the industry at the forefront of this movement is essential as consumers demand concrete measures and retail buyers require them. But an engaged and motivated workforce also makes companies healthier and more productive. We are proud to partner with The Packer, and commend them for focusing on stories of social responsibility and content that offers actionable steps to create long-lasting organizational change.”
Matt Morgan, Farm Journal’s executive vice president of produce, noted Farm Journal and The Packer’s longstanding “people first philosophy,” adding that, “We believe it’s important to partner with like-minded organizations to encourage others to put people first, as well.
“Plus, ‘People First’ will be a strong lead-in to National Farmworker Awareness Week in late March, which will further showcase the people behind fresh produce,” he continued.
The “Tip of the Iceberg” podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and all other podcast streaming providers. Click here to listen to past episodes and bookmark and return to the page to listen to the upcoming “People First” series.
