WASHINGTON, DC - The Foundation for Fresh Produce has started 2025 strong in its commitment to nurture plant-passionate professionals through development, research, and educational experiences. Two key events stand out from last week alone: The Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group Virtual Symposium and The IFPA’s School Foodservice Partner X-Change.

From February 21-22, The Foundation team was delighted to exhibit at the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group Virtual Symposium. Designed to connect diabetes health professionals with key diabetes organizations and leaders, The Foundation took the opportunity to educate this important group of registered dietitians focused on helping patients manage their condition.

The Foundation booth introduced the experts in nutrition and diabetes to the Have A Plant® consumer campaign and fruitsandveggies.org as a valuable resource for their clients. Helping patients eat more fruits and vegetables is often reported by registered dietitians as one of their biggest struggles. This makes fruitsandveggies.org the perfect place to send their patients for practical tips, recipes and inspiration for enjoying more fruits and vegetables every day.

“I can’t believe I didn’t know about this site until today!” commented Sandra Burwell, RDN, “Great info!”

The Foundation also developed a new handout in English and Spanish for the event to educate patients on the importance of fruits and vegetables for managing diabetes, which can be downloaded here.

Other comments from the attendees included sentiments like “Love the handout created for serving sizes of fruits and vegetables!” and “Clients will appreciate the tips you have on here as well.”

The Foundation plans to exhibit at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) this October 11-14, 2025 in Nashville, TN to engage with thousands of dietitians who engage with consumers every day.

Also last week from February 19-20, The Foundation participated in the School Foodservice Partner X-Change to connect produce grower-shippers with leading U.S. K-12 school menu planners. The Partner X-Change was developed to create opportunities to increase children’s access and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables at school.

The virtual event connected buyers and sellers with K-12 Foodservice leaders for 15-minute “speed dating” meetings. School foodservice leaders shared information about their menu planning, procurement processes, and current fruit and vegetable offerings, as well as what they would be interested in serving in the future. Produce suppliers had the opportunity to highlight their company’s capabilities and products, including everything from bulk and fresh-cut items, to kid-friendly single-serve snacks, and equipment that can solve for kitchen efficiencies.

“K-12 schools are often the ‘largest restaurant in town’ and can be a collaborative partner to introduce thousands of school children to a new produce item, as well as to a variety traditional produce choices on a consistent basis,” said Andrew Marshall of IFPA.

This summer, The Foundation will also host K-12 school menu planners at the IFPA Foodservice Conference, July 31 – August 1, in Monterey, CA.