The Dallas Fresh Food Association (DFFA), a local association that aims to be dedicated to raising the profile of fresh food in North Texas, to include showcasing careers, food education and increasing consumption, is proud to announce its 2018 Board of Directors. Additionally, the association is encouraging local companies and their employees become members.
Focused on “careers and consumption” in the North Texas region, the DFFA’s immediate goals in 2018 are to create networking opportunities for local fresh food professionals through monthly luncheons with guest speakers, as well as local outreach opportunities to support food education in areas that are underserved.
This year’s Board of Directors, chosen for their expertise and passion for the association’s mission, include:
- President: Dale Long of North Texas Food Bank – with more than 30 years in the fresh produce industry, and having served as chairman of several local organizations and associations, Dale’s leadership and connection with local retailers and schools will be instrumental in the success of the DFFA’s first year.
- Treasurer: Michael Grinstead of The Grinstead Group – driven to help the fresh produce industry grow and succeed, Michael’s experience as a consultant and business owner will lend itself highly valuable as the financial overseer of the DFFA.
- Marketing: Beth Keeton of DMA Solutions – a compelling storyteller, Beth’s experience with the media, passion for serving the next generation, and commitment to excellence will shine through in her role as marketing liaison for the DFFA.
- Membership: Steve Monson of C.H. Robinson – for more than 27 years, Steve has helped retailers, restaurants, growers, and foodservice companies meet consumers’ demand for fresh food, and his role as membership chair is no different, as he will be leading sub-committees that will activate within the local community.
- Philanthropy: Lucian LaBarba of Ben E. Keith – fresh produce veteran, Lucian is passionate about local outreach and continuing to leave a legacy within fresh produce that inspires the next generation to carry the torch.
- Technology: Bobby Grinstead of FreightFlow - tech-savvy and committed to finding solutions that innovate the fresh produce industry, Bobby’s role as technology chair means that people will have access to helpful information and resources.
Dale Long
“The value of having a local association dedicated to serving the DFW area means being able to connect with and train the future leaders of the fresh food industry, while empowering our community to choose more fresh food,” said Dale Long, president of the Dallas Fresh Food Association. “In order to truly impact DFW the way we know it desperately needs is to activate our individual talents together to create hands-on opportunities that make an impact across the very areas that we serve in our businesses.”
Founding members of the association, who brought the DFFA’s mission and values to life in late-2017 include representation from the following companies:
- Ben E. Keith
- Del Monte Fresh
- DMA Solutions
- Hardie’s Fresh Foods
- Kroger
- North Texas Food Bank
- Robinson Fresh
- Sunfed
- The Grinstead Group
To link arms with this passionate group of change-makers and attend the next luncheon, please email ffa.membership@gmail.com. Members are not required to live within or have businesses in Dallas / Fort Worth, but are expected to attend the bi-monthly meetings.
For more information:
Beth Keeton
Tel: +1 (214) 444-7459