Schools across America serve over 30 million lunches daily, providing up to 50 percent of students’ daily calories — a substantial nutritional touchpoint in an era where childhood obesity affects approximately 20 percent of children aged 6-19. The evidence for produce impact is compelling. Schools with strategic produce initiatives have seen 35 percent increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and 40 percent reduced waste through innovative presentation. The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program has significantly boosted produce consumption, while Harvest of the Month initiatives have

Raley’s has awarded $340,241 in grant funding via its new Food for Families infrastructure grant program. The retailer made the grant funding available through its 12 existing Food for Families food bank partners, as well as their partner agencies that represent more than 2,400 partner agencies in total. “We are grateful for our loyal customers and their Food for Families contributions that allow us to provide food to organizations serving those in need, every day through our point-of-sale donations,” said Carol Barsotti, Raley’s Food For Families’ board member. “These grants really expand the

The International Fresh Produce Association recently concluded another inspiring Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, having sold out for the third year in a row. Industry leaders, including 137 first-time attendees, gathered to foster professional growth, leadership development and meaningful connections. The event brought together dynamic speakers, scholarship participants and women from across the fresh produce and floral supply chain to engage in thought-provoking discussions on self-awareness, work-life balance and career advancement. "This year’s conference focused on mutual

Supplies of domestic watermelons were light coming into May, but as Florida production starts picking up in the middle of the month, Wada Farms Marketing will be busy shipping through September, as the season progresses from the Southeast to Mid-Atlantic states. Norman Brown, Wada Farms’ director of sweet potato sales, also manages the Idaho company’s watermelon program in the east from its Raleigh, NC, sales office and distribution center. As Florida supplies pick up, heading into June, Brown is optimistic.

Leger & Son, based in Cordele, GA, began harvesting watermelons in northern Florida and Georgia the last week of April with hopes for a stable market this season.

Allegiance Retail Services, a leading supermarket grocery services co-op, promoted two senior associates — Samer Rahman and Donna Zambo — to executive vice president, effective immediately. “These promotions reflect the continued growth of our cooperative and the expanded leadership roles of both Samer and Donna,” said Joseph Fantozzi, president and chief operating officer of Allegiance Retail Services. “I am proud to have these two individuals as key partners in the day-to-day leadership of Allegiance and look forward to their continued contributions to our success.” Rahman joined Allegiance