Foundation for Fresh Produce connects with registered dietitians

October 28, 2024

The Foundation for Fresh Produce connected with and educated thousands of dietitians over the past few weeks during two key events – the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo and The Retail Dietitian Immersion Event at The International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce & Floral Show. The experiences delivered on The Foundation’s vision to grow a healthier world by boosting appeal for fruits and vegetables and nurturing passionate fruit and vegetable professionals. sdf

“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 of marketing and 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.”

At FNCE
For the second year now, The Foundation showed up strong amongst the 8,000-plus nutrition professionals from across the world at FNCE, Oct. 6-8 in Minneapolis. The Have A Plant booth was one of the most popular on the show floor featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, donated by FreshPoint Bix Produce Co., 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 and the simple message to pass on to their clients, patients and communities: Every time you eat, Have A Plant!

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 important role they play in providing produce for school-aged children. The Healthy Family Project’s annual Trivia Night was also a success, showing support for their annual campaign which donates to The Foundation to support K-12 leaders at IFPA’s Foodservice Conference.

At GPFS
The Foundation also hosted 20 influential retail dietitians at its 2024 Retail Dietitian Immersion Event during IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 17-19 in Atlanta.

For over a decade, this key annual event has given retail dietitians the latest in produce innovations, research, and behavioral insights. With four days of educational sessions, culinary experiences, tastints, 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 all 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 for Fresh Produce to engage with and inform dietitians are unparalleled," said Alex DiNovo, president and COO of DNO Produce and past chair of The Foundation for Fresh Produce. "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 by improving human health through produce. This work wouldn't be possible without the invaluable input from dietitians who educate, advise, and communicate with consumers daily."

Retailers in attendance included: