Paul L. Newman, Organic Food Pioneer and Philanthropist

Paul L. Newman (1925-2008)

Paul Newman is a humble philanthropist, Oscar-winning actor, and, to many in my generation, well-know for the tasty salad dressings and pasta sauces we see on grocery shelves.  With his Newman’s Own brand, he helped bring organic food to mainstream America during the past two decades–long before Whole Foods Market and the organics aisle were in vogue.

Mr. Newman started the company with writer A.E. Hotchner in 1982, and since then has grown a highly popular brand with a devoted following.  Taste and natural ingredients helped build their brand, along with the company’s well-publicized charitable intention to give away 100% of profits.  To date, Newman’s Own has donated more than $250 million to 2,000+ charities, including Paul’s The Hole in the Wall Gang camp, a free Illinois camp for gravely ill children.

Great tasting food that happens to be organic

Carrying on the actor’s legacy, daughter Nell Newman founded Newman’s Own Organics in 1993 as a division of her father’s company.  And like her father, she pledges to donate the after-tax profits of the company to charity.  While traditional Newman’s Own products contain all natural ingredients and no preservatives, the Organics division is stricter with their supplier guidelines.  All products are made of ingredients that have been grown on farms that have been free of artificial pesticides and fertilizers for at least three years.

My plan for tomorrow–bicycle to the local organic grocery and grab a backpack-full of Newman’s goods.  I hope you’ll try their products in honor of Mr. Newman, knowing it’s money well-spent.

Additional Resources

Newman’s Own Organics

Paul Newman IMDB – Information on Paul Newman’s acting career