PBH Introduces 2 Industry Recognition Programs

The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) has created the PBH Ambassador and Supermarket Dietitians of the Year recognition programs. Both programs will run January to December each year, with formal recognition bestowed on the honorees during PBH’s annual spring conference.

A PBH Ambassador is an individual passionate about the Hockessin, Del.-based nonprofit foundation’s mission and its “Fruits & Veggies—More Matters” national public-health campaign, and who is translating that passion into action. Each year, Ambassador Excellence Awards will go to the ambassadors who have demonstrated the most support, in terms of breadth and depth, to PBH.

So far, 23 individuals have already agreed to be PBH Ambassadors: Tracy Altman, Wholly Guacamole; Leah Brakke, Black Gold Farms; Katie Calligaro, Canned Food Alliance; Chavanne Hansen, Nestlé; Brett Libke, The Oppenheimer Group; Sarah Ludmer, Del Monte Foods; Megan McKenna, National Mango Board; Matt Middleton, Ventura Foods; Kraig Naasz, American Frozen Food Institute; Howard Nager, Domex Superfresh Growers; Paul Palmby, Seneca Foods; Roger Pepperl, Stemilt Growers Inc.; Paulette Pierson, Monsanto Vegetable Seeds; Mac Riggan, Chelan Fresh Marketing; Richard Ruiz, Ruiz Sales; Allen Sabatier, Del Monte Fresh Produce; Xander Shapiro, Del Monte Foods; Rich Tavoletti, Canned Food Alliance; Brian Threlfall, Giorgio Fresh Mushrooms; Nichole Towell, Duda Farm Fresh Foods; Peggy Walker, Vance Publishing; Mark Weinfeld, DGWB; and Suzanne Wolter, Rainier Fruit Co.

PBH’s Supermarket Dietitians of the Year will recognize top supermarket registered dietitians and/or health-and-wellness staff for supporting Fruits & Veggies—More Matters. Award recipients will be those who act as catalysts within the supermarket to support the brand by the following actions:

• Placing the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters brand logo on in-store signage, roll bags and produce bags;
• Promoting the brand through social media and other online channels such as customer e-newsletters;
• Organizing a promotion of the brand during Fruits & Veggies—More Matters month in September, and/or;
• Incorporating the brand into community outreach efforts such as wellness clinics, school visits and store stores.

“We are so appreciative of the collective efforts and support of the industry as a whole and currently recognize outstanding companies through our Champion and Role Model program,” noted Elizabeth Pivonka, president and CEO of PBH, which collaborates with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Fruits & Veggies—More Matters. “We also, however, wanted programs to recognize individuals within the industry for their support of PBH’s mission and the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters brand. The PBH Ambassador program and Supermarket Dietitians of the Year accomplishes this and will honor these folks for all of their efforts.”

More information on both programs, as well as submission forms, is available online.