PBH Names Supplier Role Models, Champs

The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) has named 15 Supplier Role Models and four Supplier Champions for their extraordinary support of the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters national public health initiative in 2010. The companies will be formally recognized with awards during the foundation's Role Model/Champion luncheon during the group's annual meeting in Monterey, Calif.

Fifteen suppliers achieved Role Model status, including::

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
Chelan Fresh Marketing
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc.
Domex Superfresh Growers
Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
Gills Onions, LLC
McDonald's Corporation
Produce Marketing Association
Pear Bureau Northwest
Rainier Fruit Co., Inc.
Seneca Foods Corp.
Stemilt Growers, Inc.
Sun-Maid Growers of California
Welch's
Wild Blueberry Association of North America

Four suppliers achieved Champion status; Alberto Culver-Specialty Brands, Giorgio Fresh Mushrooms, Monsanto Vegetable Seeds, and National Raisin Company.

"We appreciate the efforts of all our supplier donors to spread Fruits & Veggies-More Matters messages to consumers," said Elizabeth Pivonka, president and CEO of the Hockessin, Del.-based PBH. "These Supplier Role Models and Champions went the extra mile in their support of PBH's mission to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. By putting forward the extra effort to attain Role Model or Champion status, these suppliers demonstrate a commitment to their customers' better health and we feel that deserves to be recognized."

To achieve Champion status, a supplier must consistently demonstrate support for Fruits & Veggies-More Matters in a variety of ways such as placing the logo on product packaging and promotional materials and featuring it in advertising or public relations efforts as well as linking to the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters website from the company's consumer website. In order to achieve Role Model status, a supplier must fulfill the Champion level requirements and additionally implement other strategies that support Fruits & Veggies-More Matters such as acting as an advocate for the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters brand, serving as a board or committee member for PBH foundation, or developing a wellness program.

Pivonka added that PBH is looking to grow their list of role models each year. Suppliers can earn PBH Role Model honors for helping to realize the power the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters health initiative has to influence consumption, and boost bottom lines in the process.

For more information on becoming a Supplier Role Model view the Supplier Role Model criteria on the PBH website.