S. Katzman Produce

Last week marked the end of an incredible chapter as a Business Analyst Intern at S. Katzman Produce. It's been a transformative experience being part of a company that's a cornerstone in the fresh produce industry, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my mentors Jimmy Chacko, michael suare, and Javier Villanueva-Moreno whose guidance has been invaluable throughout this journey. Their expertise and encouragement have truly shaped my growth as a business analyst. Special thanks also to my analyst team Jing Li and Madison Rosado. Your camaraderie and shared enthusiasm made every day enjoyable and fulfilling. Thank you, S. Katzman Produce and big thank you to Stefanie Katzman for this opportunity to learn and contribute. I look forward to carrying forward the lessons and experiences gained here as I move forward in my career. Matthew Gonzalez and Mikasa Famorca for making the connection!

S. Katzman Produce spent the week in DC with International Fresh Produce Association advocating on behalf of the fresh produce industry, discussing important topics like labor, the farm bill and nutrition. We kicked off the week by meeting with USDA Acting Under Secretary Kumar Chandran and Administrator Cindy Long to discuss how to reduce hunger and improve nutrition, particularly amongst children and in schools. We attended the Produce for All Leadership Summit, which gathered together experts, advocates and enthusiasts from the produce industry and public and private health sectors to discuss how we can increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce food insecurity. The IFPA Washington Conference keynote speaker was Tom Vilsack, US Secretary of Agriculture. Stefanie Katzman delivered a panel presentation about the importance of having a predictable, reliable and affordable agricultural workforce. The panel helped conference attendees from across the supply chain prepare their stories and craft their messaging ahead of our Hill visits. From the House of Representatives, we met with the teams for Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represent districts in NYC. We also ran into House Agriculture Committee Chair, GT Thompson, who is leading Farm Bill talks in the House of Representatives. From the Senate, we met with teams for NY Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, and IFPA presented the inaugural Fresh Impact Lifetime Achievement Award to Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, Debbie Stabenow, who has been a great advocate for the fresh produce industry. Thank you to everyone we met with, everyone who joined us, and IFPA for coordinating this important policy event. We look forward to continuing these important conversations as we work to increase produce consumption, propel the produce industry forward, and bring fresh, high quality, accessible, affordable produce to our customers.

At Katzman, we’re committed to finding a home for every piece of produce. Thank you Forbes for highlighting the partnership between Katzman and Sharing Excess, showing how we’re working together to reduce food waste and get produce to those who need it most. https://lnkd.in/eBYzVQRw

‘Educating students’ is one of our core pillars at Katzman. By teaching students about fresh produce, we hope to instill good habits early, inspire an appreciation for farmers and the food supply chain, and create life long customers. Thank you to our junior Team HEART members for spending “Take Your Child to Work Day” with us, to see everything that goes into bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to New Yorkers and beyond.

Thank you S. Katzman Produce for all you did for us this week. Relationships in this business are key and you guys helped cement ours.

This week, Stephen Curry made a surprise visit to DREAM East Harlem to unveil his new Curry Court 012! As part of Curry Brand's ongoing mission to build safe spaces for children to play, Curry selected DREAM to be home to one of three courts commemorating his breaking of the NBA's all-time three-point record in 2021. To celebrate the occasion, Curry joined our students for a special basketball clinic. Suited up in Under Armour and Curry Brand gear, our scholars had the chance to talk to Curry, run drills, and get pointers from the basketball legend. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eu9XiKXF

Our friends from S. Katzman Produce recently visited DREAM Highbridge Elementary School to teach our scholars about Sumo Citrus oranges! In addition to their existing support of DREAM, this generous new initiative from Katzman includes monthly produce donations to all DREAM scholars, accompanied by afterschool educational experiences about the nutritional benefits of the produce they've received. We can't wait for the next one! 🍎🍊🥦

Congress will vote on a long-term spending package soon. Without full funding, the fruit and vegetable benefit in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) could be slashed by 70% for women and 56% for kids – bringing the allotment down to just $13 and $11 a month for fruits and vegetables. This translates to a more than $1 billion cut in retail produce sales. Join us for #WICNationalDayofAction and tell Congress that fruits and vegetables cannot be the food group they choose to cut! https://lnkd.in/exdEEvn2

Check out our very first TikTok to see what ensues when Gary Bierman brings his karaoke machine to work before the holidays! Feliz Navidad to our suppliers, customers and friends. We want to wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of our HEARTs. 💚 https://lnkd.in/ea8Th4DU

Thank you to the many incredible volunteers who joined us this week to help prepare our Holiday Food Distributions in East Harlem and the Bronx! Volunteers from Blue Owl Capital, Apollo Global Management, Inc., OIC, Crowe, KPMG, and Materne North America - GoGo squeeZ all helped us package food from S. Katzman Produce. Because of the generosity and dedication of our supporters, hundreds of DREAM families received free dry goods, nonperishables, fresh produce, and snacks for the holiday season.