The Foundation for Fresh Produce, the philanthropic affiliate of the International Fresh Produce Association, has announced its 2027 board of directors, chaired by Laura Himes, VP of global sourcing, produce, at Walmart.
“The opportunity before us has never been greater,” Himes said. “By bringing together expertise from across agriculture, health, medical, policy and philanthropic communities, we can continue to create meaningful impact that improves lives and families around the world.”
Joining Himes on the executive committee are:
- Adam Cooper, CEO of Oasis Date Gardens, as chair-elect;
- Jin Ju Wilder, CEO of Vesta Foodservice, as immediate past chair; and
- April Porter of Noble Citrus and Crystal Beach Capital as secretary/treasurer.
“Our opportunity is to put the consumer at the center, while influencing the ecosystem of stakeholders that influence consumers’ food decisions,” Cooper said. “We need to make our industry’s great benefits relevant to everyday life and ultimately inspire people to eat more types of produce and eat produce more often.”
At-large directors for 2027 are:
- Stacy Bates, MS, RDN, LD, CDE, of Span Health Strategies;
- Steve Brazeel of SunTerra, Elevated Foods and Project Food Box;
- Imke van Gasselt of Ahold Delhaize;
- Eileen Hyde of Vermont Food Bank;
- Jacob Krempel of Baldor;
- Cedric Pauwels of Greenyard;
- Leslie Wada, PhD, RD, of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council; and
- Amy Yaroch, PhD, of the Center for Nutrition and Impact.
The foundation thanked retiring board members Dwight Ferguson of Nourse Farms, Inci Dannenberg of Bayer and Nikki Ford of the Hass Avocado Board.
“Laura is an exceptional leader, and I am confident she and this talented team of board members will continue building on our momentum,” said Ferguson, a past chair.
The foundation said it will translate the health value of fruits and vegetables into action by advancing child nutrition education, strengthening nutrition literacy, accelerating Food is Medicine partnerships and equipping more people with trusted resources that make eating produce easier.
Related: Foundation For Fresh Produce Deepens Ties With Retail Dietitians