INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Produce Moms® is thrilled to announce Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition and Health at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), as the recipient of The Produce Moms Trailblazer Award for 2024. The award, presented annually honors individuals “doing work that matters the most,” as described by Lori Taylor, CEO of The Produce Moms.

Van Lieu’s dedication to increasing access to fresh produce and improving dietary quality through federal policy has made a lasting impact on communities nationwide. Stated in the press release, her leadership has been particularly transformative in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, where she spearheaded efforts to first triple the fruit and vegetable benefit and then secure permanent funding for this critical initiative.

She was a guest on The Produce Moms Podcast in February with colleague Amy Marshall, and FGS Global’s Jacqlyn Schneider to discuss her work increasing funding for WIC. In this episode we learned that over half of the babies born in America qualify for WIC, making it one of our nation’s most important federal nutrition programs.

“Mollie’s work is a testament to the power of policy in driving change,” said Taylor. “Her contributions to the fresh produce industry and her tireless advocacy for increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables exemplify what it means to be a trailblazer.”

Van Lieu’s work at IFPA focuses on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and advocating for federal policies that improve nutrition, including school meals, SNAP, USDA purchasing programs, and Produce Prescriptions. Her career spans roles in nutrition and education policy at the Pew Charitable Trusts, the National PTA, and on Capitol Hill, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to advancing public health.

“She has been a peer mentor of mine as it relates to activism and public policy work,” added Taylor. “Mollie spearheaded our industry's efforts with WIC, first tripling the fruit and vegetable benefit for WIC and then doing the activism and public affairs work to secure funding to make it a permanent part of WIC. A fully-funded WIC program empowers families to get more fruits and vegetables on every table.”

A proud alumna of Adams County 4-H Dairy and Community Clubs, Van Lieu’s journey from her roots in south-central Pennsylvania to influencing national nutrition policy underscores the profound impact of her leadership.

The Produce Moms Trailblazer Award celebrates individuals like Van Lieu who shape the future of fresh produce through vision, advocacy, and action.

To discover more leaders among the industry, you know where to click!