The Third Annual Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge is here and ready to change more lives. After two successful years where participants have lost more than 650 pounds and gained years to their lives, the health and wellness challenge continues drawing interest from industry hopefuls looking for a change. Officially kicking off this week, the six-month challenge presented by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) will culminate at the 2022 Viva Fresh Expo on April 21-23, 2022 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas.
This year Ashley Ojeda (H-E-B) and John Toner (United Fresh Produce Association), 2020 Clean Eating Challenge Featured Participants, will lead a group along with returning mentors – Ed Bertaud (IFCO), James Bassetti (Little Bear Produce) and TJ Flowers (Lone Star Citrus Growers).
Ashley Ojeda (left) and John Toner will mentor 2021-2022 Clean Eating Challenge participants.
The 2021-2022 batch of challengers will receive more individual attention through the additional aid of professionals including a registered dietitian and a fitness coach. Fourteen industry members were selected to try their hands at healthier living. Challenge participants span eight states and one Canadian province, are between the ages of 25 and 60 and have cited wellness goals that include weight loss, better sleep, improving health and energy, eliminating medications, gaining self-confidence and setting a good example for friends, family and peers.
Featured participants will share progress via blogs and vlogs on the Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge website. The website also features workouts, healthy eating tips and recipes.
This year’s participants are:
Beth Keeton, Elephant House PR
Blair Butterworth, Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea Farms
Cameron Roberts, H-E-B
Dan Kaho, FullTilt Marketing
George Szczepanski, PMA
Jashon Newlun, Category Partners
Jay Alley, Fresh Innovations LLC
Jeffrey Kleypas, Decco Postharvest
Jeremy Taylor, DNO Produce
Jessica Ortega, Gills Onions
Mark Campbell, Produce IQ
Megan Jacobsen, Gills Onions
Pat Young, IFCO
T.J. Rahll, Robinson Fresh
Three featured participants for the challenge include (left to right) Beth Keeton, Blair Butterworth and Cameron Roberts.
“What I love about the Clean Eating Challenge is the time frame. Six months sounds intimidating. But when you are committed to your healthy journey, that stretch is needed to reset current habits and create new routines,” said Ashley Ojeda Porter, associate business development manager/buyer for H-E-B.
“Getting clean, in mind and in body, allowed me to see the world much more clearly on life’s essential priorities – health and happiness,” said John Toner, vice-president, United Fresh Produce Association. “I look forward to mentoring this year’s class – my group is going to win!”
The Clean Eating Challenge culminates April 23rd at the expo with the results reveal at Saturday’s Keynote Luncheon.
Click here for information on the 2022 Viva Fresh Produce Expo. Registration, airfare and hotel expenses are complimentary for qualifying retail and foodservice companies.
For more information:
Jen Velasquez
Tel: +1 (813) 380-8411
Jen@fulltiltmarketing.net
www.vivafreshexpo.com