Spring is trying to break through here in California. The peach blossom has been a staggered one punctuated with weather that is more reminiscent of the Midwest--thunder and lightning storms, heavy hail and snow in some of our lowest elevations. As usual, Mother Nature remains unpredictable and has provided lots of entertainment for our elementary school children who have spent many a recess fully bundled up.

As growers, we do what we do for the children:   ours, our grandchildren and the millions of school children across the United States.   Although we need to flex with the whims of any season, the resolve and the commitment of peach growers is singular:   to produce the finest peaches in the world, pack them in the safest, most convenient forms (cans, jars, plastic bags) and deliver them to our number-one market--schools--so our number-one consumers can enjoy the fruits of our labor year-round.

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Dear Colleagues,

When I pick up the local newspaper each morning to scan the headlines, I am impressed at the increasing number of articles about school food service programs, children's health, and the epidemic of childhood obesity. Having worked as a school food service director, I understand the realities and challenges of operating a successful school nutrition program. My work allows me the opportunity to meet with a large number of food industry and agricultural organizations, and I am constantly advocating for all parties to truly understand the infrastructure of school nutrition programs as one of the best ways to support positive additions to these programs which are being run by you, the dedicated professionals.

 

 

 

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