Produce for Better Health Foundation Honors Ambassadors, Dietitians

Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) has selected its 2014 Supermarket Dietitians of the Year and Ambassador Excellence Award honorees, who will be formally recognized at the nonprofit fruit and vegetable education foundation's annual conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., March 16-18.

PBH's Supermarket Dietitians of the Year Award honors the top supermarket registered dietitians and/or health-and-wellness staffers for their support of PBH’s Fruits & Veggies—More Matters initiative and of the collective goal of boosting the sale and consumption of fruit and vegetables. This year's winners are Ashley Cully, Ravitz Family Markets (ShopRite); Janine Faber, Meijer Inc.; Pat Hunter, Hannaford Brothers; Heather Shasa, ShopRite of Little Falls (ShopRite); and Allison Kuhn, The Kroger Co.

Chosen from a group of more than 30 PBH Ambassadors, the Ambassador Excellence Award recipients have demonstrated the greatest amount of support, in terms of breadth and depth, throughout 2014. They are Shirley Axe, Ahold USA; Lindsay Ehlis, Borton and Sons; Brett Libke, The Oppenheimer Group; Richard Ruiz, Ruiz Sales; and Brian Threlfall, Giorgio Fresh Mushrooms.

"The support PBH received throughout 2014 from our ambassadors and supermarket dietitians has been truly outstanding," noted Elizabeth Pivonka, president and CEO of Hockessin, Del.-based PBH. "Together, we continue to convey a clear and consistent message that including a variety of fruit and vegetables at every eating occasion is an essential component of creating a healthier America."

The organization has additionally revealed its 2014 Fruits & Veggies—More Matters Retail Role Models and Champions, who will also receive their awards at PBH's annual conference.