PC: Forbes
Jennifer Garner’s work with organic children’s food has a connection to a place that has been part of her family’s life for generations.In Locust Grove, Oklahoma, a family farm that has been in Garner’s family since 1936 has helped shape her understanding of where food comes from and how children might develop a closer relationship with farming. Garner, who joined Once Upon a Farm as a co-founder in 2017, has spoken about the importance of making nutritious food more accessible to families. Once Upon a Farm was founded in 2015 by Cassandra Curtis and Ari Raz. Garner became involved in 2017, alongside John Foraker, the former chief executive of organic food company Annie’s.
The business began with a practical problem: its original founders struggled to find the kind of organic baby food they wanted in local shops. Years later, the company has expanded across the United States, while Garner’s family farm remains a source of inspiration for its products. Once Upon a Farm has developed into a national brand, the family’s agricultural roots offer a more personal reference point for its emphasis on organic ingredients and childhood nutrition. Curtis wanted better options for her daughter after finding that the baby food available in nearby supermarkets did not meet her expectations. She began developing recipes herself, eventually bringing cold-pressure-protected baby food to retail shelves. Foraker brought experience in building and scaling a consumer food business, while Garner offered the perspective of a parent who had encountered similar questions about what to feed young children. The company’s range has since grown beyond its original baby food products. It now includes organic snacks, smoothies and meals for children at different stages, with products distributed through major retailers across the country. Once Upon a Farm has described its aim as making nutritious food easier for families to find and serve.