Changing the trajectory of children’s health with the Foundation for Fresh Produce
Changing the trajectory of children’s health with the Foundation for Fresh Produce
The Foundation for Fresh Produce launched the Child Nutrition Education Network, a bold new initiative designed to change the trajectory of children’s health by strengthening fruit and vegetable education efforts around the world.
With more than 400 million children at risk of malnutrition globally, the need for early, evidence-based nutrition education has never been greater. The network is part of the foundation’s broader commitment to systemwide change, as outlined in the Produce Industry’s Commitment to Global Health — a strategic framework affirming six core levers that increase access to and desirability of fruits and vegetables, starting in childhood and continuing through every stage of life.
“The network is a tremendous opportunity to galvanize support and align resources so more children learn to love fruits and vegetables early in life,” said Lauren M. Scott, president of The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “Healthy habits formed in childhood can last a lifetime — and this work ensures they do.”
The network is free to join and welcomes any organization delivering or supporting fruit and vegetable-focused nutrition education for children. It aims to build visibility, expand capacity and spark greater investment in these efforts — addressing a critical gap where high-quality nutrition education is often overlooked, underfunded and disconnected.
In its first year, the network will begin building a global map of child nutrition education programs, offer professional development and peer learning opportunities, and cultivate new relationships between mission-aligned educators and funders. These efforts will be shaped in close collaboration with early participants, with the first in-person Leadership Fellows Retreat planned for 2026.
“Fruits and vegetables are our most powerful tool against diet-related disease,” said Dwight Ferguson, chair of The Foundation for Fresh Produce; board of directors, Nourse Farms. “This network is our commitment to make sure every child, everywhere, has the chance to learn that early — and live it for life.”
The network will map child nutrition education programs worldwide; scale impact through shared tools, training and peer learning; and connect educators and funders to drive collaboration and collective action.
The Foundation for Fresh Produce said if you or someone you know leads or funds a nutrition education program, complete this interest form to join the network.
