WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association congratulated Reps. Sam Farr (D-CA) and Adam Putnam (R-FL) on their introduction of the Children's Fruit & Vegetable Act of 2009 on Capitol Hill.

United Fresh President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel thanked the congressmen for their leadership on the bill, which now becomes a priority component of overall child nutrition legislation in 2010 reauthorizing the school lunch and breakfast programs.

Wendy Brannen, executive director of the Vidalia, GA-based Vidalia Onion Committee and chairman of the Vidalia Onion Museum Committee, was recently awarded $30,000 in funding that will bolster both Vidalia area tourism and the Vidalia onion name.

DILLSBURG, PA -- In its sixth year, Apple Crunch -- sponsored by the Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotion at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and supported by the National Apple Month program, the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Board and Appeeling Fruit -- had schools in the mid-Atlantic region munching on apples.

A major promotion focused on Washington-grown Jazz apples is targeting consumers in specific U.S. markets, according to David Nelley, manager of The Oppenheimer Group's pipfruit and pineapple category.

A three-year project titled European Flavors aims to promote food products produced in the European Union to the United States, Russia and Japan. The project was developed and approved in 2007 and was kicked off in early 2008.

J.C. Barros, U.S. marketing director for European Flavors, said that the project is designed to promote healthier eating habits among consumers.

IRVINE, CA -- Don Reeder was elected chairman of the California Avocado Commission at its November board of directors meeting, Ohannes Karaoghlanian will serve as vice chairman, with Bradley Miles as secretary and Ben Holtz as treasurer.

The elections filled five member positions and two handler positions this year. The commission board members serve two-year terms with the new members joining eight members already seated.