Over 175 professionals attended the NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition Symposium, held July 30, 2008, at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC. The annual symposium attracts NC Fruit & Veggies Nutrition Coalition members and others interested in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption. Professionals from government, academia, industry, media and other non-profit and private organizations attended in order to network and share resources and ideas on increasing access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables. The theme, “Fruits & Veggies: Reaching and Teaching North Carolinians” for the 2008 Symposium reflects the mission of the Coalition, which strives to promote better health for all North Carolinians by increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption.
The NC Fruits & Veggies Star Awards Luncheon, sponsored by Dole Foods Company, Inc., recognized the 2008 NC Fruits & Veggies Star Award winners. Thirteen organizations from across the state received awards for their work in promoting fruits and vegetables. Awards were presented in six categories: school district, individual school/child care, worksites, community/civic group, healthcare, and business/other. David Murdock, CEO and Owner of Dole, pictured at right, presented the awards to the winners.
Another highlight of the Symposium was an “Iron Chef” competition. Two Charlotte area chefs battled over fruits & veggies to see whose nutritious, local cuisine reigned deliciously supreme. The “Iron Chef” competition is a popular way to highlight the wonderful fruits and vegetables grown in North Carolina.
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Chefs John Selack (far left) and Paul Malcolm (far right) create delicious dishes during the Fruits & Veggies Iron Chef competition.
Read the complete 2008 Symposium Wrap-up article.