PRO*ACT, a leading distributor of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, presented a check Oct. 3 for $50,000 through its foundation to support the United Fresh Produce Association and First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative.

MIAMI — In the year since Mr. Greens Produce was acquired by new ownership, the company has adopted a new business philosophy that has it poised for growth.

After seven years in the asset-lending business, Peter Politis was looking for a new challenge. He had considered making a move to the produce industry for some time and finally decided to take the plunge in August 2011, when he purchased Mr. Greens, which provides produce and dairy to foodservice accounts in the south Florida counties of Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward.

Paul Frederic, senior vice president of sales and marketing for To-Jo Food Products Inc., in Avondale, PA, told The Produce News that on Sept. 19, the company presented the concept of “Swapability” to students, food and catering staff members of the dining division at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, at what the school calls its “Mushroom Mania” event.

FOREST PARK, GA — The J.J. Jardina Co. was founded in Gainesville, GA, in 1925 and has been serving clients throughout the Southeast from its spot on the Atlanta Farmers Market for years. Specializing in apples, citrus and Chilean fruit, the company is one of the Southeast’s leading distributors of fresh fruit. Now in its third generation of family ownership, the J.J. Jardina Co. has become well-known for its charitable nature and giving back to the community it serves.

Pura Vida Farms, nationwide pineapple importer-grower-shipper of melon products, announced the selection of Shawn Avera as the director of watermelon operations for its Eastern region. Mr. Avera began his duties Aug. 20 and will be based at Pura Vida's new Moultrie, GA, office.