Issue: 122
May 2020
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Consumers Still Care About Sustainability Amid Pandemic
Krogers Zero Hunger-Zero Waste Foundation
Oranges Added Fresh Focus-Complimentary Spritzer on First 200 Orders
Produce Retailer Summer Citrus and Health
Saudia Davis, Limoneira Green Cleaning Opinion Leader and Huffington Post Contributer in NYC-Clean Your Home with Farmer's Market Finds
Supporting Farm Workers-Feeding the Front Lines
Limoneira and Rosales Stay Safe Videos
Ellen Doyle, RD (Registered Dietitian) Loblaws, Canada
Silvercrest Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation-NYC-Gratitude for Lemon Donation
Frances Gonzales Begins a New Chapter
Megan Roosevelt Says Treat Your Mom with a Sweet Citrusy Smoothie This Mother's Day
57 PositiveNews Stories You May Have Missed During the Coronavirus Outbreak
 
Celebrating Mom at Home-Ten Great Ideas from   Chicago
Winners Circle





Consumers Still Care About Sustainability Amid Pandemic

Food Dive provides in-depth journalism and insight into the most impactful news and trends shaping the food industry. The newsletters and website cover topics such as manufacturing, packaging, ingredients, r&d, flavor trends, and more. Food dive's business journalists spark ideas and shape agendas for 10+ million decision-makers in competitive industries.

In a recent report, the publication shared statistics on attitudes by consumers concerning sustainability during COVID 19

  • Nearly half of consumers say the pandemic has made them more concerned about the environment with 11% saying they have shifted their purchases based on environmental claims within the past year, according to a new survey from global management and consulting firm Kearney emailed to Food Dive. The survey was conducted with 1,000 consumers on both March 6 and April 10.
  • The number of consumers who consider the environment when making purchases has increased since last year - and even since the pandemic started. In 2019, 71% took that into consideration at least occasionally. On March 6 of this year, 78% felt that way. And on April 10, after several weeks where most people were at home to deter coronavirus spread, 83% of consumers said they considered the environment.
  • About 78% of those surveyed said companies could be doing more to clearly explain the environmental impacts of their products. But fewer consumers think high prices are the biggest barrier to buying items with environmental claims, with the number decreasing 4 percentage points since last year, to 49%. However, more consumers said lack of access to these products in their local stores made them unable to buy them.

For years, consumer concern regarding sustainability practices has been on the rise, and this survey from Kearney is yet another indication that these efforts are no longer a luxury but an expectation - even during a pandemic.

According to a study from Nielsen in 2018, almost half of U.S. consumers are likely to change what they buy to align with environmental standards. Kearney's survey found that two years later, eight in 10 consumers consider the environmental impacts of their purchases.

Plastics have fallen out of favor for consumers in recent years. In the survey, 85% of respondents expressed a commitment to turn down plastic utensils with food orders in the next 12 months. Similarly, there was a 37% increase in willingness to use reusable drinkware, and a 21% bump in intention to bring reusable shopping bags to stores. The likelihood that consumers will purchase in bulk to save on individual packaging jumped 164% from a year ago.

This study showed the climbing rates of illness and death associated with COVID-19 did not significantly impact consumer commitment to incremental improvement in the environmental sustainability of their shopping practices. Even as the grocery and foodservice industries are being radically transformed, sustainability remains a key factor for consumers. The Kearney survey points out the trend toward mindful stewardship was well underway, but consumers' unwavering dedication is a sign they view planetary and human health as intertwined and are willing to put their money where their mouths are.

In addition to the survey's clear indication the will is there to shop more sustainably, it appears more consumers are willing to pay to do so. Already, Nielsen found companies have a monetary motivation to switch to more environmentally friendly practices, as two-thirds of customers are willing to pay more for sustainable brands - and this number is continually rising.
Oranges Added! Fresh Focus - Complimentary Spritzer on First 200 Orders  


Now it's more important than ever to build our immunity, and vitamin C (and lemons and oranges) provide a major assist. In fact, Vitamin C is being used in NYC hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients. But, due to social distancing protocols, it hasn't been easy for people to get to stores as frequently as before.

Please let your friends and family know about a convenient way to get healthy.

Limoneia's new Fresh Focus™. Delivery Program provides messaging about balancing PH and getting healthy and, since many of us work in offices 8 hours a day, we don't have an opportunity to eat and drink in the most balanced way during a large portion of our days. Limoneira lemon juice added to water is an easy way to get vitamin-C and build immunity and Limoneira oranges are juicy, delicious and healthy.

Please let your friends and family know about Fresh Focus™ There are several options (larger for offices and smaller for consumers), and they can be delivered throughout the United States. Orders can be placed by phone or email and for local residents, there is a pick-up option.

And.......as an incentive, the first 200 orders will receive Limoneira complimentary lemon/orange spritzers. These handy tools pop right into the citrus to enable a fine spray of delicious juice for salads, vegetables and much more.

Oranges have recently been added to the program and you can view a new video with Megan Roosevelt here.

KCLU, the public radio station based at California Lutheran University has been broadcasting 30-second spots for FRESH FOCUS to its 146,000 weekly listeners covering the California Central Coast.

KCLU reaches 145,800 weekly listeners ... covering the entire Central Coast from Thousand Oaks to San Luis Obispo on the following stations: Ventura County: KCKLU 88.3 FM, Santa Barbara: KCLU 102.3 FM, KCKLU 1340 AM; Santa Maria: KCLU 89.7 FM; San Luis Obispo: KCLU 92.1 FM

SAUDIASaudia Davis, Limoneira Green Cleaning Opinion Leader and Huffington Post Contributor In NYC - Clean Your Home With Farmers Market Finds


Saudia Davis, the Founder & CEO - GreenHouse Eco-Cleaning in New York City's green cleaning staff ensures that homes and offices throughout NYC's five boroughs are expertly and sustainably cleaned. 

She says that "as the cleaning expert for Limoneira, I can't say enough about the power of lemons when it comes to cleaning. Lemon juice mixed with cream of tartar will polish your brass, mixing it with water will remove underarm stains from your favorite t-shirt, and you can use half a lemon to scrub off hard water stains from your shower doors. When you're finished, grind peelings in your garbage disposal for an instant fresh, clean smell.

Saudia also notes that she can't help but use some glorious farmers market finds to create effective (and economical) DIY cleaning solutions. In addition to lemons, Saudia has some other great suggestions.

Herbs or Essential Oils
Mixed in a spray bottle with a little water, borax or vinegar, herbs can become an effective (and great smelling) disinfectant cleaner for everything from your kitchen counter to toilet bowl. Look for herbs such as basil, clove, sage and oregano for optimal cleaning power. Also, look for actual herb plants that will not only keep your inside air clean but some -- such as peppermint -- are natural insect repellents  (a great thing for those long summer nights).

Organic Coffee
Not every farmer's market has organic coffee offerings, but if you find yourself able to grab a bag or two of freshly ground beans, grab them. After enjoying your delicious cup of joe use the grounds to fertilize indoor plants, keep your garbage disposal clean or place a bowl of used grounds in your freezer for an easy deodorizer. I try to keep used grounds close by while cooking -- a quick rub on the hands will rid you from smells associated with cutting onions or garlic.

Cucumbers
Yes, cucumbers are not just for your salad anymore. The insides of a cucumber are great for cleaning stainless steel (just remember to wash away the seeds) and the peel can be used to clean marks from walls, tables and counter tops. Also, rub it on your bathroom mirror before you hop into the shower to keep your mirror from fogging up.

Olive Oil
Olive oil is a great product for polishing wood furniture (mix it with those lemons you picked up for an even more powerful clean) as well as preventing streaks on brass or cleaning up your grill after your next outdoor party. I also use olive oil to help remove paint from my hands -- just let it soak into your skin for a few minutes before rinsing with soap and water.
ROSALESLimoneira and Rosales Stay Safe Videos


With ranches in both the northern and southern hemispheres, Limoneira's One World of Citrus™ model ensures a constant source of supply of high-quality sustainable citrus to retailers and foodservice operators around the world.

Rosales SA, Limoneira co-owner and headquartered in La Serena Chile is a leader in citrus. The Company was founded in 1959 by Don Edwardo Rosales Munizaga, in the Coquimbo Region of Northern Chile. For almost 60 years, the Company has been operated by members of the Rosales family ensuring continuity in all aspects of the operation. Since Covid-19 has been a global phenomenon, the organization, like all Limoneira operations is following the rules established by the medical and scientific community to limit the spread of the virus as demonstrated in these short videos. Video 1- Video 2!

Translation 1st worker: "coming from Pan de Azucar region of Chile"
2nd worker: "We are working for all"
Both together: "We will not stop, for you!"
SILVERCRESTSilvercrest Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation - NYC - Gratitude for Lemon Donation


As many of us have learned during the pandemic, a strong immunity system is an important tool in the fight against the virus. Lemons and Oranges contain significant amounts of Vitamin-C that support one's immunity.

In response to the doctors and nurses around the country leading the fight against the pandemic, Limoneira has been donating lemons to these medical professionals as well as to the most vulnerable (food pantries and homeless shelters).

While we did this because it's the right thing to do, it's also gratifying to be thanked. We received the following nice notes regarding our donation to the Silvercrest Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in New York:

On behalf of the staff here at the Silvercrest Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, we are delighted to accept the generous donation you have given to us. Your generosity in recognizing our commitment truly makes a heartfelt difference as we continue to strive to do our best in treating the lives of the elderly and critically ill.

Once again, your donation really helps create a warm momentum here during these difficult times.

Thank you for your generosity.

With warm regards,

Esmeralda Wharton
Assistant Director of Facilities
The Silvercrest Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation
Briarwood New York
MEGAN
Megan Roosevelt Says Treat Mom with A Sweet Citrusy Smoothie This Mother's Day

May is for moms! This month, Limoneira spokesperson, new Harvest at Limoneira homeowner and new mother, Megan Roosevelt has created a trio of simple and satisfying breakfast ideas to celebrate Mom on her special day. Healthy, nutritious and packed with vitamin C, these citrusy recipes will be a sunny and welcome addition to Mother's Day.



Citrus Avocado Toast

Ingredients:
  • 1 Limoneira grapefruit
  • 1 Limoneira navel orange
  • 1 Limoneira lemon (zest)
  • 1 avocado
  • 3 slices of bread of choice, toasted
  • 1/2 cup micro greens
  • 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:
  1. Cut away skin of grapefruit and orange and slice.
  2. Peel and slice avocado.
  3. Build your toast with sliced avocado, citrus, micro greens, hemp seeds, sea salt and lemon zest.
  4. You can also mash the avocado first if you prefer.

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

Ingredients:
  • 2 Limoneira navel oranges, peeled, segmented and frozen
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons real maple syrup or sweetener of choice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

Directions:
  1. Add everything into a high-speed blender and blend on high for 2 minutes. Depending on the strength of your blender, you may need to add a little more coconut milk.

Orange Carrot Cake Muffins

Ingredients:
  • ½ cup Limoneira navel orange juice
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup non-dairy milk
  • ¼ cup coconut brown sugar
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup oat flour
  • 2/3 cup blanched almond flour
  • ¼ cup tapioca flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large bowl, add eggs, orange juice, coconut brown sugar and non-dairy milk. Whisk together to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, add shredded carrots, oat flour, almond flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, sea salt and pumpkin pie spice. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the carrot mixture into the wet mixture and stir to incorporate.
  5. Add a spoonful of batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Allow muffins to cool and enjoy!
For demonstrations of these recipes, you can view them here on the Limoneira YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe - videos with more of Megan Roosevelt's wonderful recipes and lifestyle tips will be added to Limoneira's Youtube channel every Friday.
Celebrating Mom at Home - Eight Great Ideas from Chicago



Our friends and editors at The Chicago Tribune have curated several great, creative ideas for all the moms and families that are social distancing as a result of COVID-19.

Mom makes the magic and even though this year is different (to say the least), there are several ways that we can celebrate our love for her.

  1. HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT | Sure, you can watch a movie any night, but if it's tradition to take your mom out to the movies on any other Mother's Day, then set up a theater in your house. Dim the lights and cover your coffee table with bowls of goodies like buttery popcorn and theater candy. Stream a nostalgic favorite or rent one of the new releases that have been sent straight to the internet. If you don't live with your mom, hold a watch party virtually.
  2. SEND MOM HER FAVORITE MEAL | If you don't live at home anymore, you can still make your mom her favorite meal while practicing social distancing. Whip up one of the best brunch recipes and drop the meal off on her doorstep. Make it extra special by adding a card to the bag. 
  3. ORDER TAKEOUT FROM HER FAVORITE RESTAURANT | Support a local restaurant and put a smile on your mom's face all in one. There are plenty of restaurants and chains offering free delivery during this time, so order dinner and dessert and have it delivered right to your mom's door. 
  4. MAKE A GRATITUDE VIDEO | To show your mom how grateful you are for the values and lessons she's taught you, make a video montage of you and your siblings thanking her. Have each sibling share their favorite memories. Get grandchildren and other family members involved as well for the ultimate tribute video. (© Fizkes/Dreamstime.com)
  5. SEND A HOMEMADE GIFT | If you're looking for ways to keep your kids entertained during quarantine, break out the art supplies and have them make mementos for their grandma. If you're a father looking to give something special to mom, these homemade gifts will truly make her smile. (© Lightfieldstudiosprod/Dreamstime.com)
  6. DIRECT A SKIT WITH YOUR SIBLINGS | Did you stay up late watching "SNL" with your mom? While you're spending more time at home, make your own skit to give your mom something to laugh about this Mother's Day. Make her laugh out loud by recreating old home videos of you and your siblings. Yes, that means finding some corduroy overalls, poofy dresses, shoulder pads - you name it. If you don't live at home, you and your siblings can do this virtually and then edit the videos into one.
     
  7. DRIVE BY THE HOUSE WITH POSTERS AND BALLOONS | So many acts of kindness have emerged since the pandemic began, and that includes social distancing in style. Set up chairs 6 feet apart to catch up and enjoy a drink together, or you can decorate your car with posters and balloons and have all your siblings drive by your mom's house for a mini-parade.
  8. MAKE AN IN-HOME SCAVENGER HUNT TO HER GIFT | Make being home a little more interesting by creating a scavenger hunt for your mom to follow. To stick with social distancing guidelines, keep the scavenger hunt indoors and have a video call while she looks for her gift.
kidsProduce for Kids


Limoneira shares the same passion as Produce for Kids and will be participating with them on shared recipe videos with Megan Roosevelt, RDN, founder of The Healthy Grocery Girl and spokesperson for Limoneira's Take a Healthy Stand™ educational campaign.

Produce for Kids® believes in creating a healthier generation through cause marketing campaigns that provide easy, fun and inspiring recipes. Produce for Kids has been helping families and children by giving back since 2002. Through produce and grocery retail partner programs, Produce for Kids has donated more than $7 million to charities that benefit children and families nationwide.

Produce for Kids is a philanthropically-based organization that brings the produce industry together to educate consumers about healthy eating with fresh produce and raises funds for local children's non-profits. In 2015, Produce for Kids announced its primary children's charity as Feeding America. Produce for Kids runs several campaigns each year and all funds raised stay within retail partners' footprint.

These in-store campaigns combine advertising, in-store display materials, public relations and online/social media marketing to reach families. Seventeen supermarket banners representing more than 3,000 grocery stores and fresh markets in 33 states and the District of Columbia support the Produce for Kids spring campaign. More than 50 fruit and vegetable growers sponsor the program, representing every major category in the fresh produce department.
In addition to in-store campaigns, Produce for Kids also executes Power Your Lunchbox to encourage families to pack healthier lunch boxes as well as the new We Heart RDs program, which supports registered dietitians across the country. Limoneira also sponsors Grocery Retail Dietitians through the Retail Dietitians Business Alliance.
KROGERKrogers Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation


The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger, Zero Waste Foundation is a public charity founded in 2018 to address a fundamental absurdity in our food system: 40% of the food produced is thrown away while 1 in 8 Americans struggle with hunger.

The Foundation supports initiatives that create communities free of hunger and waste.

U.S. businesses, farms and consumers spend an estimated $218 billion a year growing, processing, transporting and disposing food that is never eaten. Kroger's Zero Hunger, Zero Waste Foundation directs philanthropic investments to entrepreneurs who are helping tackle our nation's food waste problem.

Limoneira applauds the spirit and generosity of this endeavor. Limoneira's Misfit program addresses concern -The misfit label is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the lemons having a little scarring from wind in the orchards. Limoneira offers "Lemon Misfits" as a product to consumers at a more consumer-friendly price point knowing that although they may be ugly - beauty is only skin deep as they are still perfectly juicy, great in recipes and significantly better than sending them to a landfill.
PRODUCERETAILERProduce Retailer Summer Citrus and Health



Produce Retailer's May/June issue will feature information on Limoneira's summer citrus program as well as details on nutrition and health. Excerpts from the information provided to this important trade publication follow.

Tom Burfield (Editor, Produce Retailer): Can you provide some background related to health and citrus?

Alex Teague (Limoneira COO): Limoneira has been communicating with our customers and other stakeholders our Take A Healthy Stand™ Educational Campaign The foundation underpinning Limoneira's Take A Healthy Stand™ educational campaign is simple messaging supported by research by the Institute of National Health and other responsible, objective organizations. Driven in part by emerging food fortification technologies and discoveries of nutrient benefits, consumers are choosing to make the most of their caloric intake. Hence, the growth of functional foods is set to outpace the growth of conventional foods around the world, across both developed and emerging markets globally.

Three-fourths of U.S. consumers believe healthy foods and beverages can be used to increase the quality of their lives. In addition, more than a quarter of Americans believe functional foods and beverages can be used in place of some medicines.

It may not be surprising, then, that a majority of consumers would use foods and beverages to prevent and treat many health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, lack of energy, intestinal irregularity and even cancer.

We are also spreading the word (with the help of United Fresh) about our NATURE'S PHARMACY™ app which highlights 57 health concerns or desired outcomes and cross-tabulated them with 74 fruits and vegetables containing 12 essential vitamins and 11 essential minerals.

Shoppers select a concern or outcome- the app generates foods in the produce aisle that can help them achieve their health goals

TB: How is the summer season shaping up for your lemons and limes?

AT: As a 52-week supplier, we begin the winter season in Arizona then move to the San Joaquin Valley and then move the California coast. If and when supplies are needed from the southern hemisphere, we bring in fruit from our fields in chile and Argentina. Currently, we are finished with our winter fruit and are focused on our coastal fruit harvest for the U.S. and just beginning our harvest in the southern hemisphere for Europe and Asia.

Lime supplies for us are very limited at this time due to harvest restrictions in Mexico as well as the cycle in the harvest. When the foodservice industry gets back on its feet, we will start to see normalized volumes again. Our small lime program continues to grow and we focus on pairing lemons and limes for the foodservice industry.

TB: What were the growing conditions like for your current crop?

AT: for the current coastal crop, growing conditions have been almost ideal. We have had average to above average rain and no frost so the crop looks very good.

TB: What does the quality look like?

AT: Despite the wind, we still are seeing a good quality crop that currently has a good run of sizes.

TB: Will your volume be up, down or steady compared to last year? If there will be a significant difference, can you tell me why that will be?

AT: Going into the spring and summer, the crop is identical in volume to last year. However, with better sizes available, there are actually more fresh cartons available for the fresh market this year compared to last year.

TB: How about the size of the fruit?

AT: We have a good run of sizes with a larger quantity of medium to large with recent rains.

TB: How do you expect prices to be this year compared to last?

AT: We believe that the fancy fruit will be slightly stronger than last year, but the choice prices will, unfortunately, be very similar.

TB: Do you think consumers are buying more lemons/limes? If so, why do you think that is?

AT: Yes, they are buying more at retail. Unfortunately, it is not making up the absence of the foodservice downturn. To help our retail partners, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been sharing messaging with our customers and the public about the need to boost immunity systems and Vitamin C is the perfect way to do this. In fact, Dr. Andrew Weber from New York's Northwell Health facilities is using large doses of Vitamin C to treat the virus.

To help the people on the front line, Limoneira is donating lemons for Doctors and Nurses in 5 NYC area hospitals fighting the COVID-19 virus.

As we have all heard, the Doctors and Nurses are working exhausting schedules. Providing them with lemons will provide a little Vitamin C help.

Limoneira is also donating lemons to The Ventura County Medical Center, Community Memorial, Food Share, SPIRIT (Santa Paula Homeless Shelter), Ventura's Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA). VCAAA is currently hosting a food pantry for people 60 and older and individuals with disabilities.

We also donated our extra Tyvek Coveralls which are the white disposable coveralls we use in the field to Community Memorial Hospital.

TB: Do you offer organic lemons or limes?

AT: Yes from our California operations and our operations in Peru.

TB: What appeals to consumers about organic lemons and/or limes?

AT: It's a niche with a strong following for a variety of reasons.
 
But again, for lemons and limes where the majority go to the foodservice industry, it has not gained the same foothold as it has in other areas of produce.

In a survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation, respondents were more likely to rank foods that were high in healthy components and nutrients, minimally processed, or natural as their top concern in eating healthy over organic foods.
FARMWORKERSSupporting Farm Workers - Feeding the Front Lines



COVID-19 has communicated more than ever the importance and value that farmworkers represent in Ventura County. Farming and farm-dependent businesses provide an estimated 43,000 jobs in the County, generating $2.2 billion in revenue and $76 million in indirect business taxes annually. One in 10 county residents relies to some degree on income derived from farming.

The impact farmworkers have on our economy and the job they are performing during COVID19 is as important and essential as the job that other first responders are performing to save lives.

For this reason, a group of business owners and community leaders from Ventura County, under the direction of John Hinojosa, Owner of Ruby's restaurant and Chef Juan J. San Juan III from Gloria's restaurant have joined forces to provide food, support and recognition to thousands of farmworkers providing essential duties during COVID19 in Ventura County.

Feeding the Front Lines sought "to feed those who feed us" by visiting farms during business hours to provide lunch or dinner for free to farmworkers, as well as providing boxes of essential products and food to those who have not stopped their duties while the rest of Ventura County residents have to stay at home.

IMG 0908
FEEDING THE FARMERS AT LIMONEIRA RANCH


On April 21st, the campaign Feeding the Front Lines will host a variety of actions to support and recognize thousands of farmworkers. Following the social distance rules established by the County of Ventura officials, a group of volunteers brought food trucks to provide hot meals during farmworkers lunch or break, as well as providing boxes and baskets of products, fruits and vegetables to farmworkers and their families. The farm visits included Oxnard, Camarillo, and Santa Paula regions.

In addition to the safety and support measures employed by Limoneira for our packing and harvest teams, Limoneira was proud to participate in this campaign along with several other Ventura County businesses.
DOYLEEllen Doyle, Rd (Registered Dietitian) Loblaws, Canada


Limoneira is a sponsor of the Retail Dietitians Business Alliance. The Retail Dietitians Business Alliance (RDBA) serves as the professional group to the more than 800 retail dietitians throughout the US and Canada that work for or consult to supermarket chains helping customers and employees with food, culinary, and nutrition issues. 

The organization's mission is to foster the continuing business education and career development of current and future retail dietitians.

This month, we highlight the important work that Ellen Doyle, RD is performing for Loblaws, an important Canadian retailer (and Limoneira customer).

Ellen is an in-store dietitian covering three locations in Nova Scotia, Canada. In her role, she provides a full range of nutrition services, including individual consultations, private "Shop with the Dietitian" sessions, group nutrition workshops and tours. She also provides services outside of the store, such as workplace wellness sessions, school presentations and participates in community events. No two days are the same, and she truly believes the retail environment is the best place for nutrition e ducation and creating positive lifestyle change, with food at the forefront! 

She notes that "As a food lover, I always knew my passion was in prevention and community nutrition. I started my career working with a non-profit organization, providing school nutrition policy support and nutrition education to schools. As a student and intern, retail wasn't something that was highlighted. When Loblaws was starting their dietitian program, I took the leap to try something new- that was 6 years ago!

She says that changing the public's perception of retail dietitians has been one of her biggest challenges. "So many people don't know what we do, and I often have people ask me if I want to be working in the hospital. The retail environment provides the perfect backdrop for nutrition education- a place where people can see and taste new foods, learn how to meal plan and create nourishing meals for themselves and their families".

Though we are spread across the Country, Ellen says that she is fortunate to be part of a fun supportive and hardworking dietitians across Canada and, they are only a phone call or email away.

She is most proud of our mission to get Canadians to Eat Together, and our kids programming initiatives. As dietitians, we know the importance of eating together, and through our campaign, we are encouraging our local communities to get on board and enjoy more meals with friends and family. This year, we have done two large events in which we go out to a local school or kids' group and prepare food and eat together. I also lead several workshops and interactive nutrition tours for kids of all ages in my stores. Teaching kids about nutrition and getting them truly excited about food is really something special.

Bio: Ellen Doyle is a graduate  of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and has been a practicing dietitian since 2012. Born and raised in beautiful Prince Edward Island, Ellen has made Nova Scotia her home and currently provides nutrition services to the Halifax area. When she's not at work, Ellen enjoys running, experimenting in the kitchen or trying new restaurants and spending time with family and friends. To follow along find her on Instagram and Facebook: @dietitianellen (www. facebook.com/DietitianEllen,
 www.instagram.com/dietitianellen)
FRANCES
Frances Gonzales Begins A New Chapter


Limoneira has been very fortunate to have dedicated employees and we consider this to be an important competitive advantage. Many of our loyal employees have been here for generations. They have knowledge accumulated from years of operations.

We will be sad to lose an important employee, Frances Gonzales, but we are excited for her as she retires and begins the next exciting chapter in her life.

Frances was hired in December 1976 as a part-time keypunch operator in the accounting department. In February of 1978, she became a full-time employee. In July 1990 Frances left the accounting department when she was promoted to the Administrative Assistant to the President and CEO. Frances has been with the Company for 43 ½ years. Along with her position, Frances has been on the Board of Directors of the Limoneira Federal Credit Union and is the Chairperson and Treasurer of the Limoneira Employees Scholarship Committee.

Well done Frances, we wish you the best in the years ahead.






FIFTYSEVEN
57 Positive News Stories You May Have Missed During the Coronavirus Outbreak


As we all know, the world continues to change dramatically, and this is especially true in the realm of communications. It's almost impossible to keep in front of relevant, actionable content, but fortunately, new organizations have begun to help edit content. Flipboard was founded as one place to find the stories, bringing together favorite news sources with social content, to give a deep view into everything from political issues to technology trends to travel inspiration.

During the cultural changing pandemic, Flipboard has put together a collection of positive stories that demonstrate that even during horror, there are many examples of extraordinary courage and compassion. They have shared 57 of them. We're sharing six, and you'll be able to find the remaining stories on Limoneira's website.

Candice Fortman's niece Logan Buffington and her friend Skylar Herbert at a painting party in February 2020. Herbert was the youngest in Michigan to die of the coronavirus. Both Herbert's parents are first responders. (Photo by Derone Buffington)

1. Detroiters Embrace Inner Strength.

Detroiter Candice Fortman, chief of engagement and operations at Outlier Media, is trying to make sense of it all. Detroit is a major city, but Fortman says it boasts the feeling of "a small southern town," partly because of General Motors' legacy of attracting southerners to work there in the early 1900s.

"This place that so many people find no value in, we know is more valuable than gold she says and shares that the other day, my friends and I, like many friends across the country, were watching the Baby Face and Teddy Riley battle on Instagram. And in the middle, I was watching it on Zoom with a bunch of friends here in the city. And we, of course, we're not [physically] together, but there we all were. And at some point, somebody started ballroom dancing, which for those of you who don't know, ballroom hustling in this city is almost a religion.

It happens a lot. And to see at this moment, no matter what is happening, our culture is here. We're still together. We are in our separate homes, but I feel them. I feel their sadness. I feel their losses. I also feel their hope and their joy for the future. We might not be able to hug. We might not be able to stand next to each other. But like we always have in this city, we are in this together. Nothing stops Detroit when we say that we mean it."

2. Star-Studded Teachers
To assist parents resuming homeschooling today after an Easter holidays break, the BBC has enlisted some famous experts to deliver online courses to young people.

Starting from today BBC Bitesize will feature geography lessons (specifically on animals and oceans) from Sir David Attenborough, Professor Brian Cox will teach science and footballer Sergio Ageuro is teaching young children how to count in Spanish.

Tom Moore, a 99-year-old World War Two veteran, has completed 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire with his walking frame smashing his £1,000 target, by raising £18 million for the NHS. Spurred on by 
how much he's raised, Captain Moore - who turns 100 at the end of this month - continued with his laps after his first 100 to raise even more money for the NHS, who have previously treated him through cancer and a hip replacement.

3. Christ The Redeemer Lights Up
After illuminating in various flags to pay tribute to those countries affected by the Coronavirus pandemic in March, the iconic Rio de Janeiro statue was illuminated in a medical uniform over the weekend. As a tribute to medical workers, the statue also had 'thank you' inscribed
 at the bottom of the illumination.

4. A Perfect Rainbow Appears In New York City
New York state is the worst-hit area of the United States when it comes to the Coronavirus pandemic, with more than 100,000 confirmed cases.

On Easter Monday, residents in the city were given something to smile about as a full rainbow appeared over the Hudson River.

5. The Himalayas Become Visible for First Time in Years
According to CNN, locals in the Punjab region of India have been able to see the Himalayas for the first time in decades due to reduced levels of pollution since India's Covid-19 lockdown.

Delhi is believed to have experienced a 44% reduction in air pollution levels on the first day or so of lockdown.

6. NBA Players Support Arena Staff


The basketball season has also been suspended due to Coronavirus, leading several NBA players to donate to the security personnel, stewards, catering staff and cleaners who work in the arenas during the season and therefore could miss out on income amid the closure.

Blake Griffin (above-right) donated $100,000 to help workers at his Detroit arena, Zion Williamson did the same pledging to 'cover the salaries' for his New Orleans colleagues. The Golden State Warriors players and management also confirmed they would be donating $1 million to support the workers who are affected.

winnerLimoneira's Winner Block

This month our lucky winner is  Henry Craddock from Worcester, MA.  As our monthly winner, Henry has won a Limoneira Orchard Fresh Gift.  Congratulations Henry!

For your chance to win, make sure you're on our mailing list to be entered into our monthly drawing. To join  click here  or visit our website at  www.Limoneira.com.

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