RAC Distributes Essential Sanitation Kits to California Farm Workers
June 1, 2020 – (Oxnard, California) – Reiter Affiliated Companies (RAC), the largest fresh multi-berry producer, is committed to ensuring their farmworker community remains safe and informed as they continue working to maintain our nation’s food supply during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RAC adapted field operations according to guidelines from federal, state and local officials as well as industry organizations and subject matter experts. To safeguard the health and wellbeing of frontline employees, RAC implemented enhanced sanitation and social distancing measures across all ranches and reinforced information about free access to medical care through their FreSalud clinics.
“During the current public health crisis, our farm workers’ dedication is more significant than ever, as they continue to fulfill an essential role in our nation,” said Courtney Catalano, Communications Director for RAC.
Recognizing prevention and safety in the household is more critical than ever, RAC developed a GRACE initiative to assemble and distribute essential sanitation kits for all frontline employees. “We remain highly committed to our employees, and believe strongly in developing projects that continue to support our employees and their families,” added Catalano.
Essential sanitation kits include toilet paper, hand soap, cleaning solution, hand sanitizer, lotion, and information on local resources and were packaged in a reusable tote bag. Across California, more than 6400 kits have been distributed to harvesters in Oxnard, Santa Maria, and Watsonville during the pandemic.
As a family-owned farming company, commitment to the health of their farmworker community plays an important role in RAC’s mission. GRACE (Giving by Reiter Affiliated Companies Employees) is a long standing program designed to encourage employees to volunteer, donate and inspire employees to initiate and promote their own volunteer and charitable organization campaigns.