The Foundation for Fresh Produce connected with thousands of dietitians over the past few weeks during two key events – the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) and The Retail Dietitian Immersion Event at The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)'s Global Produce & Floral Show (GPFS).
"We are committed to nurturing this critical stakeholder audience to help us increase consumption of fruits and vegetables across the globe," said Katie Calligaro, director, marketing & communications for The Foundation. "Whether it's through events like The Consumer Connection Conference in April, IFPA's Foodservice Conference in July, the Retail RD Immersion Event at GPFS, or by showing up where they are at FNCE and other nutrition conferences, there are many ways we stay engaged and connected with the health and wellness community throughout the year."
For the second year now, The Foundation showed up amongst the 8,000+ nutrition professionals from across the world at FNCE, October 6-8, 2024 in Minneapolis. The Have A Plant® booth featured fresh fruits and vegetables, donated by FreshPoint Bix Produce Company, Have A Plant® t-shirt giveaways, fun fruit and veggie tattoos, as well as a Hack-A-Thon survey for a chance to win a spotlight on @fruitsandveggies social media channels. The team engaged with nearly 3,000 dietitians during the three-day FNCE Expo, highlighting resources to help people eat more fruits and vegetables like Educational Resources for Professionals.
The team also supported multiple industry-related events, sponsoring the School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group's reception, connecting with K-12 school nutrition leaders, and celebrating the role they play in providing produce for school-aged children.
The Foundation also hosted 20 retail dietitians at its 2024 Retail Dietitian Immersion Event during IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show, October 17-19, 2024 in Atlanta.
With four days of educational sessions, culinary experiences, tastings, networking opportunities sponsored by California Walnut Commission, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Chelan Fresh, and the National Peanut Board, and immersing in IFPA's State of the Industry presentation and Education Festival, the event was considered successful by participants.
Pre-scheduled booth visits with California Giant Berry Farms, Frutas de Chile, Michigan Dept. of Ag & Rural Development, Oppy/Blue Diamond, Pear Bureau Northwest, Sakata Seed America, Inc., Stemilt Growers, Sunkist Growers, Inc., Taylor Farms, and Westfalia Fruit were the highlight as the dietitians hit the show floor Friday and Saturday.
"The efforts made by the foundation to engage with and inform dietitians are unparalleled. We are excited to support and extend this mission into 2025 to enhance the global discussions on nutrition and contribute to creating a healthier world," said Alex DiNovo, president & COO of DNO Produce and past chair of The Foundation for Fresh Produce.
For more information:
Katie Calligaro
IFPA
Tel: +1 (412) 848-1644
[email protected]
Ashley Sempowski
IFPA
Tel: +1 (202) 303-3406
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/