BRENTWOOD, MO - In its mission to highlight the exponential benefits of fresh produce when it comes to healthy eating and lifestyles, the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) debuted a new launch that put its cause front and center. On May 20, the organization held its first-ever Have A Plant^® Media Meet Up, hosting top-tier journalists and media professionals from major food and nutrition consumer media outlets.

“The Media Meet Up was a monumental step forward for PBH, our members, and the Have A Plant Movement, as we continue to grow PBH’s thought leadership platform with our new consumer-facing media engagement strategy and relationship-building efforts,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President and CEO of PBH. “PBH is committed to advancing the fruit and vegetable dialogue and shaping new behaviors that can change consumption habits long term. Partnering with journalists and media professionals from major food and nutrition consumer media outlets, who directly affect the food decisions of millennials and Gen Z consumers at the point-of-awareness, is the perfect recipe to inspire all Americans to eat more plants, for healthier and happier lives.”

Attendees hailed from publications such as Good Housekeeping, Health and Parents, and many others and joined PBH in inspiring millions of Americans to enjoy more fresh produce.

The event was sponsored by PBH members HZPC Americas Corp., Potato Glory™, Naturipe Farms, Stemilt, and Ajinomoto, according to a press release. Featuring an interactive agenda, the meet up circulated newsworthy information and key messages from the organization to the journalists taking part in the event.

Offering a mix of presentations and culinary discussions, the media meeting showcased PBH’s commitment to changing the narrative around fruit and vegetable consumption.

Demonstrations and inspirational content featured during the first-ever meet up included:

• A deep dive into consumer behaviors that affect fruit and veggie consumption and habits, including data from PBH’s State of the Plate: America’s Fruit & Vegetable Consumption Trends research
• On-trend culinary innovations with potatoes featuring former restaurateur Chef Alex Ong, director of culinary excellence for the University of Massachusetts Amherst and PBH Have A Plant Culinary Ambassador
• Research exploring the emotional well-being benefits of eating fruits and vegetables (i.e., Food Rooted In A Better Mood^®) led by premier researcher Dr. Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, CFS, FACN, PBH Chief Food and Nutrition Scientist and Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Think Healthy Group
• Interactive flavor exploration bursting with berries to feed the senses with specialty produce expert and all-around produce diva, Chef Jill Overdorf, Naturipe Farms LLC; Jenn LaVerdera, MS, RD, Nutrition Communications Expert, Naturipe Farms LLC; and Lori Taylor, Founder and CEO, The Produce Moms^® and PBH Have A Plant Ambassador
• Real-life, practical solutions, including digital and social content communications strategies, to help close the fruit and vegetable consumption gap

“The content presented during the PBH Have A Plant Media Meet Up captivated my attention and introduced me to unique research, the latest trends, as well as new and innovative products,” said Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, and freelance journalist for PopSugar, The Kitchn, MSN, and Livestrong.com. “I am inspired to spread the word about the Have A Plant Movement, along with the tips and tricks I learned on how eating fruits and veggies can be easy, practical, and FUN!”

In order to continue establishing and building relationships with consumer media, Reinhardt Kapsak will be conducting virtual deskside interviews throughout the summer. The interviews will feature journalists who could not attend the event and will continue conversations with Media Meet Up attendees to raise further awareness about the Have A Plant movement.

PBH will also continue to conduct media outreach throughout the year, sharing consumption research and resources.

For more updates from across the fresh produce industry, AndNowUKnow will be here to report.

Produce For Better Health Foundation