Freshway Associates Honored for Service

We honored several Freshway associates at our quarterly recognition event this week. Thousands of dollars in awards were distributed, including a 55″ HDTV.  We celebrate the following milestones every quarter at the luncheon: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service.

Freshway associates honored for service this quarter:

  • Donna Redmon – 25 years
  • Glenna Murray – 20 years
  • Chris “Roy” Miller – 15 years
  • Terry Strope – 10 years
  • Maria Mendoza – 10 years
  • Chris Stangel – 10 years
  • Josh Elsner – 5 years
Donna Redmon receives 25 year service award
Donna Redmon (center) receives 25 year service award

Phil Gilardi took a moment during the meeting to single out Glenna Murray as an outstanding representative for Freshway. “Every time I host a customer tour, I make a point of stopping by her area,” he said. “She is always smiling and always positive, and she lives our company values every day.”

Glenna Murray receives 20 year service award
Glenna Murray (center) receives 20 year service award

We also held our quarterly incentive program drawing at the luncheon. All of our associates have the opportunity to qualify for this drawing by maintaining perfect attendance and a positive safety record. Production associate Chris Ike was awarded the 55″ HDTV in the drawing, and fifteen other associates received gift cards.

Chris Ike
Chris Ike (shown here in a red Freshway shirt) awarded 55″ HDTV in quarterly incentive drawing

Production associate Carlos Avarado and fabricator Mike Dibble were recognized for process improvements they implemented on our production lines. Thirty-four associates were recognized for perfect attendance, and each received a $50 gift card.

The quarterly recognition is held during our monthly associate appreciation luncheon. We hold this monthly luncheon to thank our associates for their hard work and dedication.

In addition to our monthly appreciation luncheons,  quarterly incentive program drawing and service awards, Freshway holds an annual company picnic and a health fair for our associates and their families. Freshway Logistics, our forward distribution and logistics company, also awards its drivers for achieving safe driving milestones with membership in the Million Mile Club. For more information about associate appreciation activities at Freshway, visit our website.

House Pickled Red Onions

According to the National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot culinary forecast, the ancient practice of pickling is making a comeback on restaurant menus across the country. House-made pickled vegetables are a hit with consumers who are looking for more handcrafted food.

Pickling is one of the oldest food preparation methods, and is believed to have gotten its start in Mesopotamia over 4000 years ago.  Historians believe the earliest item to be pickled was cucumbers that were native to India. Pickling was a necessity in ancient times; it was one of the few methods for safely preserving food to eat during winter months. Pickles were one of the earliest mobile foods, and sailors and other travelers would carry pickles on long journeys.

Although pickling is often associated with cucumbers, almost any fruit or vegetable can be pickled. The following recipe for House Pickled Red Onions was developed by Freshway’s culinary team, and features Freshway’s new natural cut sliced red onions, and makes a great topping for sandwiches or meat entrees as well as a delicious and tangy side dish.

House Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients:

2 lbs.       Freshway Foods Natural Cut Red Onions
8 cups     Water
4 cups     Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup   Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup   Kosher Salt

Directions:

Carefully prepare and measure ingredients according to specifications. Combine water, apple cider vinegar and kosher salt in a bowl and whisk until salt and sugar are dissolved.

Place red onion slices in a clean container and pour vinegar mixture over. Cover and reserve under refrigeration for at least 8 hours.

Drain onions prior to serving. Note: Onions may be held covered under refrigeration in vinegar mixture for up to 7 days.

Yield: 2 lbs.