Santa Cruz is known for its beaches winding along Monterey Bay, a boardwalk, its amusement park and the University of California at Santa Cruz. And it’s adjacent to Watsonville, one of the produce capitals of the world.
It’s also home to an award-winning food company, SunRidge Farms, maker of more than 1,000 certified organic and natural snacks and trail mixes it sells in bulk to retail stores and distributors across the country.
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Distinctly Green: SunRidge Farms offers eco-friendly snacks
This story is from ‘The Record Searchlight’ of Redding, California, February 27, 2010. To read the complete story please follow this link:
http://www.redding.com/news/2010/feb/27/distinctly-green-sunridge-farms-offers-eco/
Order some eco-friendly snacks today!
Award winning local manufacturer and distributor of fine organic and natural foods, SunRidge Farms, announced today the completion of a 99 kilowatt state-of-the-art solar electric system onto the roof of its Pajaro warehouse building. And, since the companys colorful brand depicts the image of a dazzling sunrise over fertile Pajaro-like fields, placing solar panels on its roof appears to be a natural fit.
“The suns generosity was a source of our inspiration, our product offering and our name some 30 years ago when we began manufacturing and distributing organic and natural foods. And, now the suns power will literally be generating the electricity that cools our product warehouse.” stated Mary Quillin, company spokesperson.
The week of June 11th marks the switch to solar for SunRidge Farms as the solar engineers from Independent Energy Systems complete the 540 SunPower panel installation. It is anticipated that the project will offset over 60% of the companys peak electrical costs.
“Better yet, says Quillin, “going solar will help fulfill a company dream and offset the companys carbon footprint considerably.”
A “carbon footprint” is the measure of impact that human activities have on the environment and the health of the planet. It refers to the amount of greenhouse gases produced that both increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and accelerate the condition of global warming.
The anticipated output of the 99 kilowatt PV (photo-voltaic) system is over 160,000 kilowatt hours of production in the first year, and the expected lifetime of the system is over 25 years.
“What this translates to environmentally is a substantial benefit in the first year alone: the elimination of 201,000 lbs. of CO2 emissions that is a reduction of over 100 tons of CO2 -which is the atmospheric equivalent of planting 16 acres of trees or not driving a standard vehicle 240,000+ miles.” stated Bob Evans, President of Independent Energy Systems.
For more information on our green business practices go to: Green Commitment
Pajaro, Ca.
SunRidge Farms today announced the extension of its convenient tub pack line of organic and natural snacks with its all organic new Earth Crisp(TM) Organics. The Earth Crisp(TM) line includes organic Fruit Crisps, Veggie Crisps and cereal-based Earth Crisps. Smart snacking just got a little easier and more nutritious with the addition of these delicious, antioxidant rich and fiber filled organic crunchy snacks.
The Earth Crisp(TM) line offers terrific texture and great taste. Its sound nutrition appeals to anyone interested in dressing up seasonal salads, enhancing nutritious breakfast options, or just making sensible snacking choices. These scrumptious snacks can be nibbled alone or paired with many of your favorite foods for added texture and enhanced nutrition. Enjoy them in salads, with yogurt, cottage cheese snacks or desserts. They give a beneficial boost to an avid hiker or sports enthusiast looking for the winning edge. Try tantalizing a toddler with these easy-to-munch bite-sized pieces of superior nutrition. Made with 100% organic fruit, vegetables and grains with nothing added: no additives, no preservatives, simply freeze-dried. Earth Crisps are the go-everywhere organic nutrition that folks are looking for.
“SunRidge Farms knows that making sensible snack choices is on everyones mind these days and so we make it a high priority to offer excellent nutrition to people with an active lifestyle,” says SunRidge sustainable practices program manager Mary Quillin.
The assortment of organic crisp products is offered in resealable, reusable and recyclable containers, which makes it an ideal, convenient, portable and super nutritious snack selection for anyone. The packaging is also nitrogen flushed, which preserves freshness, extends shelf life, and is safety sealed.
About SunRidge Farms
Since 1977, SunRidge Farms has been committed to quality and excellence in service and product presentation. Our goal is to create a winning link between retail stores, farmers, and suppliers while offering ecologically respectful, high quality, optimally fresh foods and services to the community at a reasonable cost. SunRidge Farms products embrace contemporary concerns about farming practices, manufacturing practices, freshness, packaging, proper nutrition, and respect for our bodies and the earth. We also feel that it is essential to contribute toward the preservation of ecological diversity, wildlife, and natural terrain. Our support includes substantial donations toward the successful resolution of environmental, social, food related, and world hunger issues. Our bulk and packaged organic and natural snack mixes, nuts and seeds, dried fruits, grains, and confectioneries are found in over 5,500 retail stores across the nation. For more information visit their website: www.sunridgefarms.com
Award winning local manufacturer and distributor of fine organic and natural foods, SunRidge Farms, announced that it plans to install a 99 kilowatt state-of-the-art solar electric system onto the roof of its 160,000sq. Pajaro facility this spring. The project is expected to offset over 75% of the buildings peak energy usage during the warm summer months. It will be installed by Independent Energy Systems of Santa Cruz.
“This is a significant milestone in realizing our companys vision to support successful, sustainable resolutions to the environmental challenges we all face” stated company spokesperson Mary Quillin.
To that end, the company converted its fleet of 17 delivery trucks to biodiesel and purchased several hybrid vehicles for sales staff last summer. “Once we made the transition to greener transportation, we focused our attention on additional ways the company could reduce its carbon footprint” says Quillin.
The California Solar Initiative incentives that recently became available, with the passage of SB#1, gave SunRidge the perfect opportunity to go solar. The company plan is to use some of the significant savings in energy costs they will realize to fund further solar projects in their manufacturing and operations. SunRidge is currently in the process of becoming a green certified business.
“Were looking forward to the day when we can heat our chocolate tanks with a solar thermal system, manufacture and store our organic trail mixes and confections in our solar “cooled” warehouse and then deliver these healthy organic snacks in our biodiesel trucks!” stated Quillin. Indeed the future is very bright for SunRidge Farms.
SunRidge Farms began growing its business locally in 1977 and now provides bulk and packaged organic and natural snack mixes, nuts and seeds, dried fruits, grains, and confectioneries to over 5,500 retail stores across the nation. The SunRidge product line can be found locally in most grocery and natural food stores. For more information contact Mary Quillin at SunRidge Farms (831)786-7000.
A “Carbon Footprint” is the measure of impact that human activities have on the environment and the health of the planet. It refers to the amount of greenhouse gasses produced that increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and thereby accelerate the condition of global warming.
SunRidge Farms announces the introduction of its premier Tub Pack line of delicious, organic and all natural snacks, nuts, trail mixes, dried fruit and candies. These are 52 of the most innovative and best selling items from SunRidges extensive line up, each selected for universal appeal. All SunRidge products in tub containers, resealable preprinted bags or bulk packaging are available for private label.
The tub assortment is packed in resealable, reusable and recyclable containers, which makes it an ideal, convenient and portable snack selection for anyone. The packaging is also nitrogen flushed, which preserves freshness and extends shelf life, and is safety sealed.
“The enticing visual appeal of the freshest possible products and their transparent packaging are great enticements to snack smart and healthy,” states company spokesperson Mary Quillin.
Santa Cruz, Ca. – SunRidge Farms is proud to announce its partnership with members of the Santa Cruz National Surf League (NSL) team. Santa Cruz surfers Darryl “Flea” Virostko, Randy Bonds, Peter Mel, Jason “Ratboy” Collins, Tyler Smith, Josh Loya, and Bud Freitas, among others, will be energized by SunRidge Farms organic and natural snack and trail mixes, dried fruits, and nuts during this weekend’s “Game” at Steamer Lane. The Santa Cruz team will take on teams from San Diego, Orange County, and Ventura in an attempt to win the California Cup of Surfing, a new competition format that places emphasis on regional teams rather than individual contest results.
“SunRidge Farms is excited to be supporting the Santa Cruz NSL team,” says Kai Conner, director of Public Relations at SunRidge Farms, “As a local business, we feel that it is essential to honor our vision in supporting our community.”
“We’re stoked.” says Darryl “Flea” Virostko, “SunRidge Farms products are the best in the industry and our team is the best in The Game. It’s a natural fit–no pun intended.”
Santa Cruz, Ca. – SunRidge Farms is pleased to announce that Eric Birckner has joined our team as Eastern Division Sales Director, a newly created position. This position has been created due to increased demand for SunRidge Farms organic and natural products in the midwest and eastern parts of the U.S. Eric will report to Mark Devencenzi, National Sales Director.
Prior to accepting the position at SunRidge Farms, Eric was the Eastern Division VP of Retail Sales for Harmony Foods Corporation. He has also served as Category Manager and Natural and Bulk Food Merchandiser for Safeway Stores of Landover, Maryland.
Eric will represent the company both to the natural food trade, and the mass market. His efforts will be in concert with Oasis Sales and Marketing, whom SunRidge Farms retains as consultants, and the existing SunRidge Farms distributor and broker network.
Wells Reveals Secrets to Using Spices to Boost Flavor and Reduce Fat in Spa Cuisine, Grilling and Low Carb Meal Preparation
January 29, 2004 – Monterey, CA – David Wells, professional chef and founder and president of Wholearth Spice Company, will be giving a series of three cooking classes at the Salud Room at Whole Foods Market in Monterey starting February 20. In each class Wells will demonstrate that great tasting food can also be healthy. The series consists of “The Best of Spa Cuisine” on Feb 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by “Luscious Low Carb Cooking, the Right Way” in March and “California Grilling” in April. Registration is available by calling 333-1600.
One of Wells’ fortes, developed during his 24-year career as a professional chef, is combining and using organic spices from around the world in savory dishes to tantalize the taste buds without added fat, sugar or salt. Using spices to create flavorful meals without the fat is a valuable part of each cooking class. According to Wells, people are afraid to use spices because they aren’t sure how to use them. When people do use spices, they use too little and don’t incorporate them at the right time or in a balanced way. Spices require a medium to release their flavor and the best medium is a small amount of hot oil. “What some people don’t realize is that spice is a flavor-boosting technique that doesn’t require much fat, in fact you can reduce the amount of fat that you use. For example, one tablespoon of oil is all you need to flavor a whole pot of soup with the right spices,” Wells said. In addition to reducing calorie intake with less fat, cutting fat has another benefit — fat coats the taste buds which keeps the tongue from experiencing the full flavor of food.
Wells’ love of cooking with spices goes back to when he was 17. Working as a chef at his family’s restaurant in Mendocino, on the north coast of California, he used spices to create a very flavorful, nutritious granola made with nuts, seeds and grains, with no sugar or salt. This granola became a major draw to the family Bed & Breakfast and along with his evening culinary fare (which won him Bon Apetit magazine’s Restaurant of the Year) helped put Albion River Inn on the map as a destination with more than just beautiful ocean vistas. Wells continued to perfect his granola and in 2001 founded Wholearth Spice Company and introduced Grandma Dave’s Organic Granola to the Central Coast of California. Today Wells’ granola is distributed throughout California by Falcon Trading under the SunRidge Farms/Grandma Dave’s label. “Wholearth Spice Company products fit with SunRidge Farms’ mission to provide the healthiest products to our customers by producing foods without highly processed or refined ingredients,” said Morty Cohen, president, SunRidge Farms, based in Santa Cruz.
Wells starting developing organic spice blends in 1998. In the late 1990s, while working as the head chef at George Lucas’ Sky Walker Ranch in Northern California. Wells was invited to the renowned filmmaker’s ranch to help change the lunchtime diet of employees so they would no longer fall asleep at their computers after lunch! Wells introduced energy-sustaining lunches that were flavorful and fresh, with little fat or processed carbohydrates. Early each morning Wells would create his organic spice blends for that day’s meals, drawing from thirty five mason jars filled with spices. Today, the Wholearth Spice spice blend line includes Italian, Cajun and Latin American. Other spice blends are in the works such as Middle East, Asian Fusion, Mediterranean, and Korean Barbecue Rub. Wholearth Spice is also bringing out a line of vinaigrettes to be released in the Spring of 2004. The Lemonagrette and Super-Citrus-Salmic vinaigrette, the first two in the series, are a result of intense consumer demand after Wells’ used them as a complement to his spice-filled barbecue and grilled culinary creations during demonstrations.
Mothers Illness Was Well’s Catalyst for Founding Businesses
When Wells’ 63-year old mother was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in 1990, Wells was working as Executive Chef for his own restaurant. His focus switched immediately to learning everything he could about cancer, and its treatment and prevention through nutrition. He learned about the benefits of ingesting various whole foods and supplements, and how they could compliment traditional medicine. We now know that foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids such as flax seeds, and phyto-nutrients in foods such as tomatoes (it’s the phyto-chemical lycopene that makes tomatoes red), and combinations of herbs such as Essiac Tea (made from burdock root, slippery elm bark, sheep sorrel, and turkey rhubarb root) are proven to fight against various diseases. Wells took charge of his mothers diet and developed recipes to boost her immune system and give her energy after her chemotherapy treatments. Two years later, his mother showed no sign of cancer. She significantly beat the odds, as 90% of advanced ovarian cancer patients live only two to three years.
As a result of dealing with his mothers cancer, Wells founded NutraCoach Services (www.nutracoach.com.) His goal: to coach people who are dealing with illness, and support others to lead healthier, more energized lives through nutrition, exercise and a balanced lifestyle. Whether it is through his personal consultations, cooking classes, or corporate presentations, Wells’ goal is to help people achieve their own health potential through his unique products and services. Wells gained the nickname, “Grandma Dave,” for his nurturing way with clients. When he became frustrated with the shortage of flavorful, healthy foods –foods that weren’t loaded with sugar, animal fats, trans fats, and/or excess salt — to recommend to his clients, he founded Wholearth Spice Company. In addition to using spices from around the world to create satisfying,Wells incorporates a variety of ingredients in each product that are carefully chosen for their nutritional value, balance in flavor, and purity. “Every culture has its signature spices which are treasured. Using spices from around the world literally brings diverse cultures together. That’s a beautiful thing, with so much conflict around the world today,” stated Wells.
For more information about David Wells visit www.wholearthspicecompany.com
and www.nutracoach.com.
Santa Cruz, Ca. – SunRidge Farms recently added six new organic products to its diverse line of candies and confectionery mixes. Organic Milk Chocolate Cherries, Organic Milk Chocolate Almonds, Organic Milk Chocolate Raisins, Organic Dark Chocolate Coffee Beans, and Gold Medal Award winning Organic Hit The Trail Mix and Organic Cranberry Harvest can now be found in natural food and mass-market stores throughout the country.
In addition, SunRidge Farms is currently creating an organic yogurt line, which will consist of Organic Yogurt Pretzels, Organic Yogurt Raisins, and Organic Yogurt Pretzels, as well as Organic Sour Sunny Bears, a complement to the company’s top selling Organic Sunny Bears and Organic Jolly Bean candies. The estimated ship date on these four products is mid to late fall.
