DiSogra to lead new nutrition policy program for United
DiSogra to lead new nutrition policy program for United
WASHINGTON -- United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association has selected Lorelei DiSogra, director of the federal government's 5 A Day program for the past four years and a former Dole Food Co. executive, to join the association in the new position of vice president of nutrition and health, effective Aug. 1.
"Dr. DiSogra is one of the most respected nutrition leaders in the fruit and vegetable community, and we are fortunate to add her to our senior management team to significantly expand our efforts to increase fresh produce consumption," United President Tom Stenzel said in a statement.
Dr. DiSogra, who has a doctorate of education in nutrition education and public health from Columbia University, will lead Uniteds efforts to shape nutrition and health policy working with Congress and the administration, international government and health agencies, state and local opinion leaders, and allies in the public health community. She will also work directly with United member companies and associations to assist them in their own nutrition and health marketing efforts.
"Earlier this year, the Produce for Better Health Foundation and other organizations in the National 5 A Day Partnership worked to develop a national action plan to implement the dietary guidelines, Mr. Stenzel said. "At that time, we all agreed that success would demand that every stakeholder organization devote greater talent and resources to the effort. That call to action and United's ongoing commitment to shape national public policy makes it essential that we do everything in our power to drive these issues. That's where Lorelei's leadership can take us.
Under the leadership of Dr. DiSogra, the United Research & Education Foundation will also launch a new nutrition and health policy project focused on reshaping government policy and driving environmental change to enable America's children to meet the new Dietary Guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption. The new program will be called Project Fresh Start, signifying the importance of policy changes to give the next generation a real opportunity to meet the Dietary Guidelines beginning during childhood.
"Project Fresh Start embodies our commitment to help the next generation of children double their fresh produce consumption to meet today's dietary goals and prevent the development of childhood obesity and other negative health effects, said United Chairman of the Board Nick Tompkins, CEO of Apio Inc. "Our industry has an unparalleled opportunity today to help usher in a new, healthier generation by increasing the availability and quality of fresh fruits and vegetables in government feeding programs and changing the school environment to stimulate produce consumption by children. These changes will last a lifetime, meaning improved health for millions of children and reduced long-term health care costs for the nation.
Project Fresh Start will include a multi-year commitment from United, the United Foundation and allied partners to change public policy to increase the availability and quality of fresh fruits and vegetables available to children, and provide them with the tools that help them learn to make healthy fresh produce choices for a lifetime.
"Dr. DiSogra is one of the most respected nutrition leaders in the fruit and vegetable community, and we are fortunate to add her to our senior management team to significantly expand our efforts to increase fresh produce consumption," United President Tom Stenzel said in a statement.
Dr. DiSogra, who has a doctorate of education in nutrition education and public health from Columbia University, will lead Uniteds efforts to shape nutrition and health policy working with Congress and the administration, international government and health agencies, state and local opinion leaders, and allies in the public health community. She will also work directly with United member companies and associations to assist them in their own nutrition and health marketing efforts.
"Earlier this year, the Produce for Better Health Foundation and other organizations in the National 5 A Day Partnership worked to develop a national action plan to implement the dietary guidelines, Mr. Stenzel said. "At that time, we all agreed that success would demand that every stakeholder organization devote greater talent and resources to the effort. That call to action and United's ongoing commitment to shape national public policy makes it essential that we do everything in our power to drive these issues. That's where Lorelei's leadership can take us.
Under the leadership of Dr. DiSogra, the United Research & Education Foundation will also launch a new nutrition and health policy project focused on reshaping government policy and driving environmental change to enable America's children to meet the new Dietary Guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption. The new program will be called Project Fresh Start, signifying the importance of policy changes to give the next generation a real opportunity to meet the Dietary Guidelines beginning during childhood.
"Project Fresh Start embodies our commitment to help the next generation of children double their fresh produce consumption to meet today's dietary goals and prevent the development of childhood obesity and other negative health effects, said United Chairman of the Board Nick Tompkins, CEO of Apio Inc. "Our industry has an unparalleled opportunity today to help usher in a new, healthier generation by increasing the availability and quality of fresh fruits and vegetables in government feeding programs and changing the school environment to stimulate produce consumption by children. These changes will last a lifetime, meaning improved health for millions of children and reduced long-term health care costs for the nation.
Project Fresh Start will include a multi-year commitment from United, the United Foundation and allied partners to change public policy to increase the availability and quality of fresh fruits and vegetables available to children, and provide them with the tools that help them learn to make healthy fresh produce choices for a lifetime.
