PLANTIFY COLLABORATES WITH CASA SANCHEZ AND NORFOLK HEALTHY PRODUCE TO LAUNCH ‘SEED TO SALSA’ PUBLIC SCIENCE INITIATIVE AT CSUEB
Cross-Sector Campaign Uses Purple Tomato Salsa to Demystify Plant Biotechnology, Expand Nutritious Food Options, and Spark Open Public Dialogue
HAYWARD, CA — September 22, 2026 — Plantify, an educational non-profit bridging plant science and environmental stewardship, today announced the launch of "Seed to Salsa", a public engagement initiative created in partnership with iconic regional food brand Casa Sanchez Foods and bioengineering innovator Norfolk Healthy Produce.
Debuting on October 3 at California State University, East Bay’s (CSUEB) biennial Science in the Park event, the campaign marks the public release of a limited-edition Purple Tomato Salsa. Utilizing Norfolk’s bioengineered high-antioxidant - The Purple Tomato™ and crafted by Casa Sanchez, the campaign uses a familiar culinary staple to create a safe, accessible space for public dialogue around modern genetics, ecology, and food systems.
HAYWARD, CA — September 22, 2026 — Plantify, an educational non-profit bridging plant science and environmental stewardship, today announced the launch of "Seed to Salsa", a public engagement initiative created in partnership with iconic regional food brand Casa Sanchez Foods and bioengineering innovator Norfolk Healthy Produce.
Debuting on October 3 at California State University, East Bay’s (CSUEB) biennial Science in the Park event, the campaign marks the public release of a limited-edition Purple Tomato Salsa. Utilizing Norfolk’s bioengineered high-antioxidant - The Purple Tomato™ and crafted by Casa Sanchez, the campaign uses a familiar culinary staple to create a safe, accessible space for public dialogue around modern genetics, ecology, and food systems.
The initiative originated from ongoing conversations between Plantify leadership and the late Linda Renteria Sanchez, a multi-generation co-owner of Casa Sanchez, CSUEB PhD candidate, trailblazer for Latina women in engineering, and champion for community education. Together, they recognized how modern biotechnology could create something visually stunning, like a purple tomato, as a doorway to engage the public in meaningful conversations about plant science, climate resilience, and the future of our food supply.
“Plant science and genetic engineering can often feel abstract or intimidating, but communities deserve approachable, transparent conversations about the innovation shaping our food and planet,” said Toku Hankins, Executive Director of Plantify. “Linda and I often talked about how to make plant science approachable. By starting with something fun, beautiful, and delicious, we can open a welcoming dialogue about how agricultural innovation can support food security and human health. Academics need a trusted channel to connect with the public, and communities deserve transparent conversations about the science shaping our food. Plantify exists to be that bridge.”
Following its launch at CSUEB, Plantify will expand the campaign over the coming months, strategically distributing limited-edition units of the purple salsa across community workshops, school visits, and hands-on learning programs at Plantify's Paradise Community Garden demonstration site. The effort also anchors an upcoming short documentary, Seed to Salsa, chronicling the project from lab innovation to community impact.
Executive Partner Statements
NATHAN PUMPLIN (CEO, NORFOLK HEALTHY PRODUCE):
“At Norfolk, our mission with the Purple Tomato™ is to deliver real health benefits directly to consumers through plant biotechnology,” said Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Healthy Produce. “Partnering with an educational non-profit like Plantify and a heritage brand like Casa Sanchez allows us to meet people where they are, showing how modern genetic innovation can be transparent, approachable, and beneficial to everyday health.”
ROBERT SANCHEZ (CEO, CASA SANCHEZ FOODS):
“Casa Sanchez is a 4-generation, local food manufacturer and distributor specializing in fresh salsas and tortilla chips. We support community efforts to help youth with education and exposure with math and the sciences. We honor Linda Renteria’s relationship with Cal State East Bay in fostering a collaborative effort with traditional food making and cutting-edge food science to bring to market a novel, healthy, and great tasting fresh salsa.”
How to Get Involved
Plantify invites community members, educators, and researchers to engage with the Seed to Salsa initiative:
To learn more about the initiative, upcoming events, or the documentary release, visit https://www.plantify.org/purple.html
About Plantify
Plantify is an educational non-profit dedicated to connecting communities with plant science, ecology, and environmental stewardship. Through hands-on experiential learning, community gardens, school programs, and creative storytelling, Plantify creates accessible spaces to discuss complex science and promote solutions that support biodiversity and preserve nature.
About Casa Sanchez Foods
Founded as a family business and spanning four generations, Casa Sanchez is a legendary Bay Area institution famous for its authentic salsas and tortilla chips. Casa Sanchez remains dedicated to culinary excellence, local heritage, and community empowerment.
About Norfolk Healthy Produce
Norfolk Healthy Produce is a biotechnology company focused on developing healthier, nutrient-dense produce. Its primary innovation, the bioengineered Purple Tomato™, offers high levels of natural antioxidants, the same beneficial nutrients found in blueberries that help protect body cells and support overall health.
“Plant science and genetic engineering can often feel abstract or intimidating, but communities deserve approachable, transparent conversations about the innovation shaping our food and planet,” said Toku Hankins, Executive Director of Plantify. “Linda and I often talked about how to make plant science approachable. By starting with something fun, beautiful, and delicious, we can open a welcoming dialogue about how agricultural innovation can support food security and human health. Academics need a trusted channel to connect with the public, and communities deserve transparent conversations about the science shaping our food. Plantify exists to be that bridge.”
Following its launch at CSUEB, Plantify will expand the campaign over the coming months, strategically distributing limited-edition units of the purple salsa across community workshops, school visits, and hands-on learning programs at Plantify's Paradise Community Garden demonstration site. The effort also anchors an upcoming short documentary, Seed to Salsa, chronicling the project from lab innovation to community impact.
Executive Partner Statements
NATHAN PUMPLIN (CEO, NORFOLK HEALTHY PRODUCE):
“At Norfolk, our mission with the Purple Tomato™ is to deliver real health benefits directly to consumers through plant biotechnology,” said Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Healthy Produce. “Partnering with an educational non-profit like Plantify and a heritage brand like Casa Sanchez allows us to meet people where they are, showing how modern genetic innovation can be transparent, approachable, and beneficial to everyday health.”
ROBERT SANCHEZ (CEO, CASA SANCHEZ FOODS):
“Casa Sanchez is a 4-generation, local food manufacturer and distributor specializing in fresh salsas and tortilla chips. We support community efforts to help youth with education and exposure with math and the sciences. We honor Linda Renteria’s relationship with Cal State East Bay in fostering a collaborative effort with traditional food making and cutting-edge food science to bring to market a novel, healthy, and great tasting fresh salsa.”
How to Get Involved
Plantify invites community members, educators, and researchers to engage with the Seed to Salsa initiative:
- = For Educators & Schools: Plantify is currently scheduling interactive garden workshops around Hayward and the unincorporated Alameda County. Teachers interested in bringing plant science and ecology to life can reach out at https://www.plantify.org/connect.
- = For Event Attendees: Visit Plantify’s Seed to Salsa exhibit at CSUEB’s Science in the Park on October 3 to meet educators, learn about plant genetics, and experience limited-edition purple salsa.
To learn more about the initiative, upcoming events, or the documentary release, visit https://www.plantify.org/purple.html
About Plantify
Plantify is an educational non-profit dedicated to connecting communities with plant science, ecology, and environmental stewardship. Through hands-on experiential learning, community gardens, school programs, and creative storytelling, Plantify creates accessible spaces to discuss complex science and promote solutions that support biodiversity and preserve nature.
About Casa Sanchez Foods
Founded as a family business and spanning four generations, Casa Sanchez is a legendary Bay Area institution famous for its authentic salsas and tortilla chips. Casa Sanchez remains dedicated to culinary excellence, local heritage, and community empowerment.
About Norfolk Healthy Produce
Norfolk Healthy Produce is a biotechnology company focused on developing healthier, nutrient-dense produce. Its primary innovation, the bioengineered Purple Tomato™, offers high levels of natural antioxidants, the same beneficial nutrients found in blueberries that help protect body cells and support overall health.
