The Foundation for Fresh Produce, an extension of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), announced its 2026 Board of Directors. The Foundation exists to grow a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health through increased fruit and vegetable consumption, uniting partners across the supply chain to drive measurable outcomes for lifelong health.
The 2026 Board will be chaired by Jin Ju Wilder, vice president of marketing and business development, Vesta Foodservice. Dwight Ferguson, Board of Directors, Nourse Farms, will continue his service on the executive committee as immediate past chair. Laura Himes, vice president of global sourcing, produce, Walmart, and former chair of IFPA's board of directors, will serve as chair-elect.
"By uniting industry, health, and community leaders, we're expanding access to fruits and vegetables, strengthening child nutrition, and addressing health disparities in the U.S. and beyond," said Wilder.
© IFPA
L-R: Jin Ju Wilder, Dwight Ferguson, Laura Himes
The Foundation's work spans a total lifespan approach, focusing on culture shift, access and affordability, healthcare integration, policy infrastructure, and business ecosystems. This year, The Foundation is building on major momentum with the upcoming launch of the Child Nutrition Education Network – a first-of-its-kind global hub for leaders to align, share resources, and scale impact in early intervention nutrition.
"We know that dietary-related disease is the world's leading health crisis," said Himes. "The Foundation is uniquely positioned as a connector – bringing together industry, health leaders, and communities to break down barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption."
"With Jin Ju's leadership and the continued vision of this board, The Foundation is poised to make fruits and vegetables the centerpiece of global health solutions," said Ferguson.
The new and returning Board of Directors includes:
Executive Committee
- Jin Ju Wilder, Vesta Foodservice – chair
- Laura Himes, Walmart – chair-elect
- Dwight Ferguson, Nourse Farms – immediate past chair
- April Porter, Noble Citrus and Crystal Beach Capital – secretary/treasurer
At-Large Members
- Stacy Bates, MS, RDN, LD, CDE, H-E-B
- Steve Brazeel, SunTerra, Elevated Foods, Project Food Box
- Imke van Gasselt, Ahold Delhaize
- Inci Dannenberg, Bayer
- Nikki Ford, PhD, Hass Avocado Board
- Eileen Hyde, Vermont Food Bank
- Leslie Wada, PhD, RD, US Highbush Blueberry Council
- Cedric Pauwels, Greenyard
- Amy Yaroch, PhD, Center for Nutrition and Impact
The Foundation also expressed to its retiring board members for their service:
- CarrieAnn Arias, Pear Bureau Northwest
- Alex DiNovo, DNO Produce
- Bil Goldfield, Dole Food Company
- Jason Osborn, The Wonderful Company
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
Tel: +1 (202) 303-3406
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/
Katie Calligaro
International Fresh Produce Association
Tel: +1 (202) 303-3417
[email protected]
www.freshproduce.com/foundation
www.fruitsandveggies.org
