Healthy Foundations

from 57º Magazine Summer 2023

The Annex at Seventh & Dolores

By Maxine Carlson | Photos Courtesy of Taylor Farms

Founded and located in Monterey County, Taylor Farms is the leading North American producer of salads and fresh produce. A family-owned business, its production facilities are located across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Monterey Bay area is known internationally as the salad bowl of the world, and Taylor Farms plants three billion seeds each year. One in three salads eaten in the country are grown by Taylor Farms.

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy an outing in scenic Carmel Valley and stop by Earthbound Farm Stand, owned and operated by Taylor Farms. The on-site cafe offers a refreshing outdoor setting for relaxation, and fresh organic products offered for sale.

In addition to providing fresh produce, Taylor Farms works to connect health with a foundation for a happy life, focusing on initiatives that support and inspire wellness and health, especially for youth. Specifically, the organization supports endeavors such as Rancho Cielo, which makes for another great stop. Rancho Cielo Youth Campus opened in August 2019 and is a comprehensive learning and social services center for underserved and disconnected youth in Monterey County. Dining at Rancho Cielo has become a popular, sought-after event. Its Drummond Culinary Academy, which prepares students for future careers in the hospitality industry, features Friday night dinners hosted by its trainees and offers fresh produce, creative menus, and incredible Monterey County views.

In the city center of Salinas, Taylor Farms works with community members in sustaining a vibrant community. This includes supporting efforts such as local businesses, the National Steinbeck Center, and community theater. The company also connects with local education centers such as California State University Monterey Bay and Hartnell College and supports endeavors such as First Tee—Monterey County, and educational initiatives via the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE). Taylor Farms CEO, Bruce Taylor, has a deep passion for early literacy and a long-term commitment to generating learning environments that support the diverse needs of the children in Monterey County.

“Taylor Farms is excited to announce our support toward the Monterey County Office of Education’s Science of Reading Academy,” he says. “This is a part of our continued initiative into accelerating language literacy in our local community. Literacy plays a role in childhood development of several vital skills and [assists] in the equity of learning opportunities. I would like to thank the MCOE for leading this educational resource for our local community.”

Taylor Farms is proud to have awarded $3.1 million in scholarship funds. All recipients are either pursuing higher education at a four-year university or in a graduate-level program. The scholarship winners are all children of Taylor Farms employees. Taylor is honored to be supporting team members: “We are committed to a vibrant America with education as the foundation for opportunity.”

For more information, visit taylorfarms.com.

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