Pbh Honors Three New Fruits & Veggies-More Matters Role Models

Wilmington, Del. - Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) has named Chelan Fresh Marketing, of Chelan, Wash., Rainier Fruit Company, of Selah, Wash., and Welch's, of Concord, Mass.,the newest Fruits & Veggies-More Matters® Role Models. There will be a special role model recognition luncheon at PBH's Board of Trustees meeting on April 10 in Half Moon Bay, Calif. 
  
Established 2004, Chelan Fresh Marketing serves as the link between domestic retailers and over 400 growers to move fresh Washington apples pears and cherries. Chelan Fresh Marketing, shares roots with the oldest operating apple businesses in Washington State, Gebbers Farms with over 6,000 acres of orchard near Brewster, WA.  
 
Rainier Fruit Company is one of the largest growers of fresh apples, pears and cherries in the United States. They have been farming in WA State since the late 1800's. Today, under the careful stewardship of highly trained horticulturists, Rainier Fruit continues to artfully select premier orchard sites and choose the most environmentally sustainable practices in the industry in order to maintain high quality standards.
 
Welch's, the marketing arm of a family-farmer owned cooperative, is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts. For over a decade Welch's has been investing in the science of nutrition which has given them a deeper understanding of the health benefits associated with Concord and Niagara grapes and their juices. Welch's 100 percent Grape Juice made from Concord grapes helps promote a healthy heart, maintain a healthy immune system, and support a healthy mind.  Welch's 100 percent White Grape Juice, made with juice from the entire Niagara grape, contains twice as much antioxidant power as apple juice. Welch's continues its commitment to nutrition research and the creation of snacks and beverages that help to meet the health and nutrition needs of busy families.
 
"These three companies have been long term supporters of PBH and exhibited a true commitment to the Fruits and Veggies-More Matters public health initiative is several ways," said Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., president and CEO of PBH. "We appreciate the efforts made by all of our donors to spread the word that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is important. Chelan Fresh Marketing, Rainier Fruit Company, and Welch's have exhibited role model attributes by going above and beyond in their support of Fruits and Veggies-More Matters and PBH. Their efforts are thoroughly appreciated."