MISSION, TX - The Clean Eating Challenge has become a beloved part of the Viva Fresh Expo. Sponsored by the Texas international Produce Association (TIPA), the Challenge asks of its participants to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their lives—and for three years now, the Challenge has brought real change to industry members’ lives. Now, TIPA is asking for new folks to see if they’ve got what it takes.

“What TIPA offers through the Challenge is the opportunity to regain control. This isn’t necessarily about weight loss, though it can be. This is about taking control over what we put into our bodies, control over our health, and control over making healthy decisions, such as eating more fruits and vegetables,” stated Jen Velasquez, Clean Eating Challenge Committee Chair and Director of Marketing for FullTilt Marketing. “This is ultimately what our industry is asking the world to do, so who better to set an example than us?”

The Challenge itself takes perseverance, commitment, and a willingness to be raw and open with where you are and where you want to be in your health journey, as a press release related. It’s not a diet or a weight loss competition—it is the start of a a new way of life by focusing on personal wellness. It is simply a catalyst for people to make meaningful, long-term changes.

For those interested, TIPA invites you to apply for this year’s Challenge which will kick off in September and will culminate at the 2023 Viva Fresh Expo in Dallas on April 1, 2023.

Spots are limited and chosen participants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a member of the produce industry
• Be able to express what is driving them to compete in the challenge
• Be willing to share progress online up to the reveal at the Viva Fresh Keynote in March 2023
• Show willingness to commit to the six month challenge
• Commit to engaging with their mentors and peer groups on a weekly basis for the duration of the program

Those interested in joining the challenge can apply here by August 15.

And to learn about those who participated last year, click here.

“I lost 20 pounds during the Challenge but I gained so much more—confidence, friendship, better quality sleep, and ultimately the passion to keep making healthy changes and support others trying to do the same,” said Beth Keeton, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Elephant House PR, participant and 2022’s drawing winner. “Winning the Tonal home gym was a surprise blessing that I’m excited to use as I continue my health journey. I’m so grateful to Catania for sponsoring the giveaway, along with all other sponsors that invested in our health.”

Matt Catania, Vice President of Sales at Catania Worldwide, shared his insights on the challenge.

“As a former personal trainer with a lifelong love for fitness and health, I couldn’t be prouder for our company to align ourselves with the Clean Eating Challenge,” he stated. “I came back to the family business five years ago and love that thanks to TIPA and the Clean Eating Challenge, our company can be a small part of making a difference for our industry friends that are looking to improve their own lives.”

What do you say? Do you have what it takes?

Viva Fresh