During these uncertain times, consumers have seen a steady supply of healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables continue to make it to store shelves. Organic or conventional – nutritionists everywhere agree that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can support immune function, help prevent illness and eating more each day is so important right now.

The Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) proudly represents organic and conventional farmers of fruits and vegetables. Their work and the work of the farm employees to grow, harvest and ship these nutrient-dense foods to our tables have been impressive. Farmers continue to overcome new challenges every day and use their ingenuity to problem-solve in this unforeseen situation. The result is a steady and consistent supply of safe and healthy produce for consumers.

The AFF is located in the farming community of Watsonville, California where we are privileged to see firsthand fields of fruits and vegetables growing and being harvested. We often say we wish we could bring more consumers out to fields and farms. But instead we try to show what farmers do to grow safe and healthy foods through videos as well as farm tours with media and nutrition professionals so they can share what they learn and see as well.

Even before the pandemic, most consumers would have likely agreed that farmers and farm workers are “essential and critical” to our nation. These challenging circumstances have only cemented that belief for many of us and our appreciation has grown each time we take a bite of that fruit or salad.

So thank you to our “essential” farmers and farm workers as well as all of the employees further down the supply chain at processing facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, distribution centers and filling those online orders. Stay safe and stay well.