Champions of Organic: Annie’s Homegrown

by kiwilog

As part of our recognition of Organic Harvest Month, KIWI is celebrating pioneers of the organic movement by sharing their inspiring stories, plus their thoughts on healthy, sustainable food.

Annie’s Homegrown

In 1989, Annie Whithey, a mom of 2, set out to create a healthier version of mac and cheese, one that was free of artificial additives, preservatives, and colors. Along the way, she founded the company that bears her name—and does so much more than make dinner and snack time healthier.

From its early days making just mac and chees, Annie’s Homegrown has sought to be “a socially responsible business that gave back to the community and did things in an unconventional way—all-natural, and with a commitment to the environment,” says Annie’s CEO John Foraker, who works at the forefront, receiving product ideas and feedback from Annie at her Connecticut farmhouse. “Annie’s was built to be everything mainstream companies weren’t. Whatever Kraft would do, Annie’s would work to do the opposite.”

In 1998, Annie’s was the first company to offer an organic, boxed macaroni and cheese. It wasn’t long after that snacks like Cheddar Bunnies, Bunny Grahams, and Bunny Fruit (inspired by Bernie, Annie’s pet rabbit that lives on as the company’s logo) hit grocery stores, making kid-friendly, organic options available to parents everywhere. Plus, Annie’s is leading the way for much bigger companies. “We believed if we were successful, big food companies would pay attention and clean up their acts,” Foraker says. Over the last few years, numerous mainstream companies have made an effort to reduce or eliminate their use of hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial colors and flavors.

“Right now, Annie’s is a very big natural and organic food company, but a very small food company in general,” says Foraker, who hopes Annie’s will become a leading brand for parents and kids in the future by providing organic options at affordable prices. If any-bunny can do it, it’s these bunnies!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Tags: annie's homegrown, organic harvest month