TUCSON, AZ - Next year, United Fresh’s annual FreshStart Conference is to be held in Tucson, Arizona, from January 14-16. Registrations are already open, so don’t wait! The FreshStart Conference is one of the most vital conferences in the industry. But don’t just take my word for it—past attendees give their voices in support of the foundation’s important mission: increasing fresh produce access for kids and families.

“The FreshStart Conference is where the Foundation’s mission literally comes to life,” Raina Nelson, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Renaissance Food Group, comments. “The gala event boasts a live, silent, and remote auction all in one that is an especially fun and easy way to contribute. It’s an incredible event that helps increase the consumption of fresh produce in schools. It’s such a worthy investment for the future of our nation’s youth!”

For others like Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales for Grimmway Farms, the annual event is something to look forward to at the beginning of the year. The opportunity to reconnect and get together not only brings innovation and awareness, but recognition as well.

“I always look forward to beginning the New Year by attending the FreshStart Conference!” begins Lisa. “This annual event is near and dear to my heart! It brings our industry together to focus on increasing ‘Fresh’ produce access, awareness, and consumption for kids and families. This two day event encapsulates this message through it’s golf outing, committee meetings, and Gala where we honor and recognize a recipient of United Fresh Lifetime Achievement Award. It is a definitely a must-attend event!”

Stefanie Katzman, President of S. Katzman Produce, believes that United Fresh’s mission is not only respectful, but invaluable. By bringing powerhouse players in, United Fresh is able to truly shed a light and refocus attention on the rising need for fresh produce to not just buyers and consumers, but to the future.

”The FreshStart conference is one of the most gratifying and fulfilling conferences I attend. There are so many important parts of our industry and so many things that our industry impacts and is impacted by. However, the most important contribution made is the impression we have on children. It is our responsibility as industry leaders to make sure we are doing everything in our power to get fresh fruits and vegetables into the mouths of children so they grow up eating healthy and carry that knowledge into adulthood where they then can pass it along to their children as well,” shares Stefanie. “FreshStart does so much more than raise money to accomplish this; the education for attendees at the conference not only informs you of what programs and initiatives are currently happening and how you can get involved, but also how working with these programs can help you grow your business as well. It’s all about the children—they are our future customers, our future employees, and our future depends on them, so let’s make sure we are doing all we can do to set them up for success.”

This year’s FreshStart Conference will include the Foundation’s annual Gala Dinner and presentation of the United Fresh Lifetime Achievement award; the annual Bids for Kids silent and live auction; the Growing Up Fresh golf tournament; and meetings of all United Fresh volunteer leadership boards, councils, and committees. Registrations are now open, which includes the Wednesday Breakfast General Session and Conference.

Follow along with AndNowUKnow as we bring more updates for the conference.

United Fresh Produce Association