IFPA Foundation For Fresh Produce & Produce For Better Health Foundation Merger FAQ
Why are the Foundation for Fresh Produce and Produce For Better Health Foundation merging?
The International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Foundation for Fresh Produce and Produce For Better Health Foundation (PBH) share a mission to improve the appeal of, and access to, fruits and vegetables to increase consumption and serve the public good. Together, FFP and PBH will have even greater reach across all sectors of the produce supply chain to convene collective action and inspire innovative impact that can help close the pervasive and persistent fruit and vegetable consumption gap in America and around the world.
What does the combination of these two organizations mean?
Bringing together these two 501(c)(3)s further unifies the produce industry to advance fruit and vegetable consumption; scale proven initiatives; and create the largest global community of advocates for fruit and vegetable consumption. This merger will immediately deliver even greater impact and value to the collective fruit and vegetable industry by providing a research-based, consumer-focused platform that can ignite consumption behavior change as well as elevate fruit and vegetable consumption as a national and global health priority, improving public health and accelerating industry growth.
Why are the organizations coming together now?
We’re facing a public health crisis in America and around the world: many people struggle with food access and affordability, and overweight and obesity rates continue to climb. In addition, most people are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. The produce industry has the potential to provide solutions to many of the global health challenges we face – especially those around nutrition insecurity and hunger. While our two organizations have frequently discussed collaborating on programming, the conversations naturally evolved to combining to best serve our industry and address our shared mission.
Is this decision related to the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health?
While this decision to combine organizations is not related to the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health being held on September 28, 2022, it is further evidence of the growing urgency and opportunity for those with solutions who are also prepared to provide leadership. We see this as an opportunity to galvanize the industry around public health and nutrition; utilize our expertise and assets; and activate solutions with a unified and powerful voice.
What happens to PBH and the Have A Plant® Movement?
PBH and the award-winning Have A Plant® Movement are recognized entities, programs and trusted brands in the industry, with strategic partners, as well as among influencers and consumers, and will continue for the foreseeable future.
What does this mean for the Foundation for Fresh Produce?
The Foundation for Fresh Produce will continue the mission-focused work of growing a healthier world and will also leverage the valuable assets PBH brings to the organization, including established consumer communication channels as well as its expert and influencer networks, which will bring velocity and acceleration to the Foundation’s work.
Does this mean PBH will be global?
The Foundation for Fresh Produce is global and recommendations for the future expansion of PBH and Have A Plant® brands and programming into other markets will be determined by the Foundation Board. The immediate focus is continuing the legacy of strong programming and supporting 2023 PBH and Have A Plant® programs in the United States.
When will these changes take place?
The merger will be effective on January 1, 2023, and PBH will become part of the Foundation for Fresh Produce. Until then, the organizations will work through a transition period to align the programs and initiatives of each.
What does the transition look like?
The transition period will begin immediately and continue through the end of 2022. Both organizations will use this time to better understand each other’s programs and services. PBH and Have A Plant® brands and programming to advance fruit and vegetable consumption will continue without disruption into 2023.
How does this impact volunteer leaders?
The Boards for both organizations voted in favor of this combination, and starting January 1, 2023, 5 members of the PBH Board of Trustees will transition to join the board of the Foundation for Fresh Produce. This board slate includes: CarrieAnn Arias, Vice President of Marketing at Naturipe Farms, LLC; William Goldfield, Global Corporate Communications and Marketing at Dole Food Company; Desiree Olivero, Manager of Customer Care at Wakefern Food Corporation; Jason Osborn, Director of Marketing at the Wonderful Company; and Fernando Herrera, Vice President of Marketing, Sun-Maid & Plum Organics at Sun-Maid Growers of California.
How can I volunteer to serve and support the Foundation’s mission to increase consumption?
While the Foundation for Fresh Produce does not have established committees currently, we anticipate opportunities in the near future. If you are interested in serving on a committee in 2023, please look for the IFPA call for volunteers in October 2022.
What does this mean for PBH’s Consumer Connection Conference in April?
The PBH Consumer Connection Annual Conference is expected to take place in April 10-12, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona, as scheduled. Contact Sharese Roper at [email protected] to learn more.
How does this impact my contributions to PBH?
Contributions should be paid in full by December 31, 2022, to PBH, to support the robust 2022 PBH plan of work, including important consumption research as well as consumer and influencer programming currently underway. Starting January 1, 2023, contributions to PBH will be integrated with the Foundation for Fresh Produce. The spirit of contributions to both organizations will continue: to improve fruit and vegetable consumption to help consumers live happier, healthy lives every single day. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to PBH here.
How do I contribute to the Foundation for Fresh Produce?
One immediate way to contribute is by registering for The Race for a Healthier World 5k at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show in October.
PBH’s mission was inclusive of all forms – is that going to change?
PBH and Have A Plant® programs will continue to support the consumption of all forms of fruits and vegetables, including fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice.
I have more questions – who can I speak to about this?
Lee Mannering, Executive Communications Manager, International Fresh Produce Association, [email protected]
Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President & CEO, Produce For Better Health Foundation, [email protected]
