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Taylor Farms announced that more than 4,000 backpacks have been filled with essential school supplies and healthy snacks for students in nearly 20 communities. Since 2010, Taylor Farms’ annual Backpack Giving Program has delivered more than 48,000 backpacks to help students across the U.S. 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.”
“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.”
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, King City, Gonzales 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 County campuses including Del Rey Elementary, Santa Lucia Elementary, and KC Arts Magnet.