United Fresh Combines Winter Meetings

The United Fresh Start Foundation will become the host event in January 2018 for both the association’s and foundation’s traditional winter meetings.

The United Fresh Start! Foundation Annual Conference, scheduled for Jan. 16-18 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, in San Diego, will feature a new half-day program focused on growing access to fresh fruits and vegetables; all of United’s traditional volunteer leadership board, council and committee meetings; the foundation’s annual fundraising golf tournament; a new silent/live auction; and the annual Gala Dinner recognizing the recipient of United’s 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.

“With the growing importance of the United Fresh Start Foundation’s work to increase children’s access to fresh produce, we wanted to create a new annual platform focused on the impact we’re having in communities across the country, to recognize our donors and supporters, and to work together to advance this critical mission,” said United Fresh Chairman of the Board Susan Reimer-Sifford, general manager of CC Kitchens for Newport, Ky.-based Castellini Cos.

The winter meeting joins United’s Washington Conference, focused on public policy issues, and its Annual Convention and Expo, focused on expanding the fresh food marketplace and technology innovations.

“This annual platform will bring the industry together to focus on how we can fundamentally change the way the next generation connects with fresh produce from their earliest years to become lifelong consumers,” said Phil Muir, president and CEO of Salt Lake City-based Muir Copper Canyon Farms.

Registration for the United Fresh Start! Annual Conference is now open.