GONZALES — Taylor Farms recently announced that more than 4,000 backpacks have been filled with essential school supplies and healthy snacks for students this year in nearly 20 communities, including Gonzales.
Since 2010, Taylor Farms’ annual Backpack Giving Program has delivered more than 48,000 backpacks to help students across the United States and Mexico start the school year prepared, confident and ready to thrive.
What began as a small local effort, donating a few hundred backpacks to Monterey County school districts in partnership with Golden State Foods, has grown into a program that now spans eight states and nearly 20 different communities.
“As our business has grown, so has our opportunity to give back,” said Bruce Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms. “We’re grateful to be in a position to support the communities where our team members live and work, and to help provide young students with some of the essentials they need to succeed in school and build a bright future.”
The Backpack Giving Program is one of Taylor Farms’ most beloved traditions, providing hands-on engagement for employees from start to finish. Team members help pack each backpack and deliver them to students during their first week of school.
This year’s distributions reached students in California, Texas, Maryland, New Jersey, Colorado, Rhode Island, Washington, Florida and Mexico—ensuring thousands of children have the tools they need to learn and thrive.
In Monterey County, the Backpack Giving Program continues to have a strong, personal impact — reaching over 1,300 students this year in Salinas, San Juan Bautista, Hollister, Gonzales, King City and surrounding communities.
Backpacks were delivered directly to elementary schools across Salinas City Elementary, Alisal Union, Gonzales Unified, Aromas-San Juan Unified and Hollister school districts, as well as South Monterey County campuses including Del Rey Elementary, Santa Lucia Elementary and King City Arts Magnet — all part of King City Union School District.
“Education is a key part of our community commitment, and we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year with the right resources,” said Panchita Preciado, safety manager for Taylor Farms and longtime leader of the Backpack Giving Program. “This program not only provides essential supplies but also fosters a sense of connection and support among our employees and local families.”
Taylor Farms, based in Salinas, is the leading North American producer of salads and healthy fresh foods with production facilities across the United States, Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit taylorfarms.com.
