Abril Veronica Aranda

“Bolthouse Fresh Foods provides food and beverage options for people during their journey toward healthy living. Whether it is a Keto diet, a high-protein diet, or a plant-based diet, we have something tasty and easy for you!”

Abril Veronica Aranda joined Bolthouse Fresh Foods in March of 2021 as a Lift Truck Operator at Fresh Logistics, the warehouse and distribution facility in Hodgkins, Illinois. She was encouraged by her mother, who had briefly worked for Bolthouse Fresh Foods on a special project, to pursue any opportunity available with the company. There is a reason why they say listen to your mother! “I had just lost my job at an adventure park due to COVID-19 and I felt the need to find a job that offered security during a time of great uncertainty. Bolthouse Fresh Foods provided that opportuity for me and I am so grateful to have a job here.”

As a Lift Truck Operator, Abril preps orders that come into the warehouse from retailers in the middle and east coast of the U.S. and eastern Canada to be loaded onto trucks. She is a woman working in a warehouse that is predominately all men, in a role traditionally held by men. “I am 19 years old, and I know women my age are not typically in this line of work, but I am here to say that women can do this job well!” Abril enthusiastically noted that the starting salary and benefits far exceeded her expectations and is excited to be excelling in this role, hoping to encourage other young women to join her. “I want to bring attention to what people do not see, which are the many opportunities for women in warehouse and other roles at Bolthouse Fresh Foods! I want to say to not underestimate yourself and try something new that breaks the mold!” She has set her sights on the future in a role with increased responsibilities as she continues training in inventory and shipping management programs.

Celebrating her one-year anniversary with Bolthouse Fresh Foods last month, Abril says the best part of her experience so far are the people! “I lift and carry and move carrots for customers all day, which is repetitious work, but I have developed an incredible relationship with the second shift crew. It feels like a family because all the people that were here when I started are still here and they inspire me every day.” Often the shy one in the group Abril says she doesn’t eat lunch alone in her car anymore, and instead relishes the time she spends with her colleagues, forming lasting friendships while listening to the best life stories from her teammates, making coming to work every day enjoyable. Making friends is not the only benefit to working at Bolthouse Fresh Foods. This self-described “clean eater” keeps her cooking routine simple and healthy, which is how she describes what Bolthouse Fresh Foods purpose means to her: “Bolthouse Fresh Foods provides food and beverage options for people during their journey toward healthy living.