NGA, PBH Launch Partnership Focused on Supermarket Dietitians

The National Grocers Association (NGA) and Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) have joined forces to focus on the continuing education of supermarket dietitians in independent and small retail chains and wholesale grocers. Onsite dietitians provide shoppers with valuable information on the role fruits and vegetables play in daily meal plans as well as preventing disease and overall health and wellness.

"Health and wellness products and services are increasingly becoming a priority for consumers. Given this growing trend, NGA is excited about the opportunity to partner with PBH to equip our members with the tools and resources needed to better educate and provide products and services to meet their customers' needs and expectations," said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO of NGA.

The partnership allows each association to share resources and information with members of the other organization through webinars, print and electronic communications and a sponsored event that will bring dieticians from small chains and independent stores to The NGA Show in February. The expo floor will feature educational sessions, sponsors and other organizations relevant to the market. The dietitians also will have an opportunity to meet with other dietitians and fruit and vegetable industry members during networking events.

"Given our history of working with and supplying information, toolkits, and resources to supermarkets, and our more recent work with supermarket dietitians, the partnership with NGA is both exciting and timely," said Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., president and CEO of PBH. "PBH will be able to share our vast resources with members of NGA, while continuing to strengthen our knowledge of the goals and needs of independents and small retail chains."