Prior to his retirement from the Dole Food Company 21 years ago, He became aware of the unfortunate waste of food in the food processing and distribution business. For example, what to do with food that is approaching its “Best Sell By” or “Best Use By” date whether it is on grocery shelves or still in distribution centers. It has been his opportunity to bring some of these products to Help of Ojai Community Assistance food pantry and the West Campus kitchen. Also, with the help of other volunteers it has been his privilege for the past 25 years to organize and provide Thanksgiving food baskets to numerous families in the Ojai Valley.
He has offered many hours in association with the University of California Agricultural Research and Education Center near Santa Paula where he teaches kids from Kindergarten to High School how and where their food is grown. . He has visited and taught kids from schools throughout the county about growing fruits and vegetables. Now many kids know that their food does not start at Vons...my guess is He is now known by over 5,000 Ventura County kids as “Farmer Len”.