Title: Tito’s Distillery: Cultivating Wellness Through Healthy Food and Community Gardens

Introduction:

Located about 18 miles south of Austin, Texas, Tito’s distillery is renowned for producing vodka that is cherished worldwide. However, the company recognized the need to provide more than just beverages to its employees living in a food desert, where access to fresh produce is limited. In 2017, they embarked on a unique initiative by creating an on-site farm that not only inspired community gardens nationwide but also contributed to employee wellness benefits. This blog post explores Tito’s journey, highlighting their commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles and bringing people together through food and gardening.

The Birth of a Farm:

Tito’s Distillery understood that employees could greatly benefit from having easy access to fresh food. Their solution? Building a farm on their property, an innovative concept that would ultimately transform the lives of their employees. Partnering with a knowledgeable regenerative farmer, Tito’s faced various challenges and a steep learning curve. However, their perseverance paid off, resulting in the creation of a farm that now boasts over 25 varieties of fruits and vegetables. These organic crops not only provide employees with nourishing meals at work but also allow them to bring fresh produce home to their families.

Learning, Exploring, and Growing:

Amy Lukken, the chief joyologist at Tito’s, candidly admits that the company had to learn from scratch. As vodka producers, farming was an unknown territory for them. Nonetheless, they embraced the challenge and constructed 74 raised concrete beds as well as 16 hoop houses. To ensure the farm’s success, an on-site soil lab was established, enabling diligent testing and experimentation. Currently, the farm is manned by seven dedicated full-time farmers who are Tito’s employees. Their expertise ensures the sustained growth and success of the farm.

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits:

A significant number of Tito’s employees reside in or near food deserts, where affordable, quality food is scarse. Recognizing this, Tito’s took an extra step to educate their workforce on the best ways to prepare the produce. Organic chefs were hired to work in the company’s cafeteria, utilizing ingredients sourced directly from the farm. This initiative sought to introduce fresh fruits and vegetables to employees who had not previously been exposed to them. Tito’s encourages other companies to follow suit and recognize the importance of investing in wholesome food options for their employees and their families.

Promoting Holistic Wellness:

Tito’s commitment to their employees extends beyond just providing fresh produce. The company also offers a range of lifestyle benefits aimed at enhancing overall well-being. For instance, Tito’s provides funding for employees to pursue their passions outside of work, whether it be taking a cooking class or indulging in fly fishing. By supporting their employees’ personal interests, the company fosters a sense of fulfillment and happiness that translates into a more satisfied and engaged workforce.

Spreading the Love:

Inspired by their success, Tito’s launched the “Love, Tito’s” Block to Block garden and farm program. This initiative has expanded to over 100 projects in more than 35 cities, including Denver, the Bronx, Newark, and Detroit. The program aims to bring communities together through shared experiences involving food and gardening. Tito’s collaborates with non-profit organizations in each city, inviting their sales representatives, distributor friends, and retail accounts to participate in these ventures. The goal is to create a ripple effect that not only nurtures gardens but also unites communities.

Conclusion:

Tito’s Distillery’s unwavering dedication to their employees’ well-being sets a remarkable example for other companies. By prioritizing access to fresh food through their on-site farm, Tito’s has not only saved their employees money and time but also enriched their lives with healthier options. The company’s commitment to community gardens across the country demonstrates their belief in the power of food to bring people together. Tito’s serves as a reminder that employers have a responsibility to prioritize the wellness and happiness of their employees, both inside and outside of the workplace.