Connecting dietitians and school planners to foster healthier communities
The Foundation for Fresh Produce is starting 2025 with a renewed commitment to empowering plant-passionate professionals in nutrition, research, and education, marking a robust effort to improve public health and dietary practices.
The organization has already made significant inroads by participating in two major virtual events last week that aimed to connect healthcare experts and school foodservice leaders with valuable resources to enhance their work and benefit the communities they serve.
At the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group Virtual Symposium, held from February 21 to 22, The Foundation seized the opportunity to reach diabetes health professionals with an emphasis on practical education and innovative nutritional solutions.
The event, which gathered registered dietitians focused on diabetes management, provided a platform for The Foundation to highlight its initiatives, including the Have A Plant® consumer campaign and the resource-rich website fruitsandveggies.org.
The exhibit enabled experts in nutrition and diabetes to learn about effective strategies to help patients incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets a challenge frequently noted by these professionals.
The Foundation introduced a newly developed handout available in both English and Spanish, designed to educate patients on the role of fruits and vegetables in managing diabetes.
Among the positive reactions from attendees was the enthusiastic remark, “I can’t believe I didn’t know about this site until today!” commented Sandra Burwell, RDN, “Great info!”
Other participants also expressed their satisfaction, with comments such as “Love the handout created for serving sizes of fruits and vegetables!” and “Clients will appreciate the tips you have on here as well.”
These responses underscore the event’s success in providing actionable tools and information that address a critical need in diabetes care.
Just days prior, from February 19 to 20, The Foundation expanded its outreach by taking part in the School Foodservice Partner X-Change.
This virtual event was meticulously designed to forge new connections between produce grower-shippers and U.S. K-12 school menu planners, with the ultimate goal of increasing children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day.
The event’s innovative format, featuring 15-minute “speed dating” meetings, allowed school foodservice leaders to share insights into their current menu planning, procurement processes, and future aspirations for fruit and vegetable offerings.
Simultaneously, produce suppliers were given a platform to showcase their diverse product ranges from bulk and fresh-cut items to kid-friendly single-serve snacks, as well as equipment that addresses critical kitchen efficiency challenges.
These dynamic sessions provided a dual opportunity: foodservice leaders gained exposure to potential new suppliers and solutions, while produce companies could directly communicate their capabilities and innovations.
This approach is poised to drive long-term improvements in how schools incorporate fresh produce into daily menus, benefiting student nutrition and overall well-being.
The impact of these events extends well beyond the immediate networking opportunities they provided.
They served as catalysts for future collaboration and innovation, offering a forum where practical challenges could be discussed and actionable solutions identified.
Dietitians, often confronted with the difficulty of motivating patients to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, now have a dependable resource in fruitsandveggies.org.
School menu planners are better positioned to meet nutritional guidelines and introduce fresh produce options that resonate with young consumers.
This strategic, cross-sector engagement highlights The Foundation’s holistic approach to public health, aiming to bridge the gap between healthcare and education while driving a nationwide shift toward healthier eating habits.
Looking forward, The Foundation for Fresh Produce is preparing to extend its influential reach by planning an exhibit at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE), scheduled for October 11 to 14, 2025, in Nashville, TN.
This forthcoming event will provide yet another stage for the Foundation to interact with thousands of dietitians who work daily to influence consumer health and nutrition.
With each initiative, The Foundation reinforces its commitment to fostering meaningful professional connections, providing essential educational resources, and catalyzing improvements in dietary habits.
By blending innovative digital engagement with traditional networking opportunities, the organization is setting a benchmark for collaborative efforts that support both immediate needs and long-term nutritional goals.
