Mon. May 18th, 2026 - by ANUK Staff

MILLEN, GA - The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 SEPC Member Scholarship. This year, the council is pleased to award 45 scholarships, totaling $67,500, made possible by the unwavering support and dedication of its membership base.

Aligned with the SEPC’s commitment – “Together, We Grow Higher," this scholarship program supports the academic journeys of students within the produce family. To qualify, applicants must be children or grandchildren of a corporate member in good standing who has personally attended at least one SEPC event within the last 12 months. Additionally, students must be enrolled full-time with a minimum of 12 semester hours and undergo a rigorous review by the SEPC Scholarship Committee.

The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 SEPC Member Scholarship

A cornerstone of the application process is the annual essay to be reviewed by members of the SEPC Scholarship Committee. The 2026 topic, "Farmers as the Backbone of America," challenged students to explore the multifaceted roles of growers. From entrepreneurs and innovators to environmental stewards and guardians of food security, the essays highlighted how farmers nourish communities and the nation. Applicants discussed the values of resilience and hard work that ensure America remains fed today and for generations to come.

David Sherrod, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southeast Produce Council

“Our members are the heart of this council, and it is an honor to give back to their families,” said David Sherrod, SEPC President & CEO, in the recent release. “These 45 recipients represent the bright future of our industry and our country. Their insights into the vital role of the American farmer were truly inspiring.”

Recipients receive a $1,500 scholarship. While past recipients are eligible to reapply provided they maintain a 3.0 GPA, the committee gives first preference to new applicants to ensure the broadest possible impact.

Congratulations to the 2026 SEPC Member Scholarship Recipients:

  • Addison Becker — Brent Miller — Earth Fresh
  • Alina Beckstead — Christopher Beckstead — MDI
  • Amelia Lott — Sloan Lott — Bland Farms
  • Audrey Frey — John Frey — Frey Farms
  • Ava Miller — Brent Miller — Earth Fresh
  • Avery White — Johnny White — Shuman Farms, Inc.
  • Caleb Lambert — Gary Lambert — United Supermarkets
  • Carter McCormick — Melissa McCormick — Alderman Farms Sales Corp.
  • Charlee Eisinger — Patrick Eisinger — Lowes Foods
  • Colin Howe — Michael Howe — Foodbuy
  • Cydney Hutterer — Jeffrey Hutterer — Ocean Mist Farms
  • Dylan Lambert — Gary Lambert — United Supermarkets
  • Emma Jackson — Rob Jackson — Red Sun Farms
  • Ethan Rose — Brian Rose — Flavor 1st Grower and Packers
  • Gibson Rayfield — Brian Rayfield — CropWell Farms
  • Hudson Sherrod — David Sherrod — Southeast Produce Council
  • Isabella Lott — Sloan Lott — Bland Farms
  • Jacob Eubanks — Allen Eubanks — Eubanks Produce
  • Jaden Weatherly — Jaden Weatherly — The Winn Dixie Company
  • Johnathon Rocendo — Mayra Arvizu — Mack Farms, Inc.
  • Jonathan White — Johnny White — Shuman Farms, Inc.
  • Jordan Davis — Lisa Davis Corrigan — Sunview Marketing International
  • Kameryn Hawes — Brian Hawes — Ocean Mist Farms
  • Kasey Tipton — Michael Tipton — Schnuck Markets
  • Kayelyn Austin — Garry Bergstrom — SEPC
  • Kyle Hawes — Brian Hawes — Ocean Mist Farms
  • Lauren Greenhill — Blair Greenhill — Nickey Gregory
  • Logan Wilkins — Scott Wilkins — Green Circles Farm
  • Luka Rose — Brian Rose — Flavor 1st Growers and Packers
  • Madison Pilcher — Alison Anthony — Coastline Family Farms
  • Matheson Parker — Brandon Parker — Shuman Farms, Inc.
  • McKenzie Jenny — Brian Jenny — Del Monte
  • Mia Pautz — Mike Pautz — Blessings of Hope
  • Michael OConnor — Amber OConnor — Always Fresh Farms
  • Mimi Parker — Brandon Parker — Shuman Farms, Inc.
  • Morgan Jenny — Brian Jenny — Del Monte
  • Olivia Coufal — Tom Coufal — JC Tropicals
  • Rebecca "Becky" Edwards — Gene Edwards — Shuman Farms, Inc.
  • Sadie Shaw — Tracy Shaw — Healthy Family Food Project
  • Skyler Eisinger — Patrick Eisinger — Lowes Foods
  • Steven Shaw — Tracy Shaw — Healthy Family Project
  • Tanner Murphy — Matt Murphy — L&M
  • Tanner Rayfield — Brian Rayfield — CropWell Farms
  • Tyler Fox — Donald Fox — Walmart
  • Wesley Fox — Donald Fox — Walmart

The SEPC extends a sincere thank you to all 2026 applicants for their hard work and impressive submissions. For more information about the SEPC Member Scholarship and other educational opportunities, please visit seproducecouncil.com.

Mon. May 18th, 2026 - by ANUK Staff

CORAL GABLES, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., a global leader in fresh and shelf-stable produce, is teaming up with Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, in theaters June 19, to celebrate the cinematic return of the iconic characters. As part of a worldwide campaign, Fresh Del Monte is sparking imagination and promoting healthy habits by bringing over 600 million co-branded Toy Story 5 pineapple hangtags and banana stickers to produce aisles across all participating regions. In addition to in-store activations, the campaign will include interactive, Toy Story 5-inspired digital promotions and social media content featuring Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the whole gang, and a sweepstakes offering grocery shoppers and families a chance to win a five-night trip to Barcelona.

Ivan Brown, Senior Director of Marketing, Fresh Del Monte Produce

“We’re honored to collaborate with Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 to literally bring Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the beloved franchise to life alongside our Del Monte® bananas and pineapples in conjunction with the film’s global release,” said Ivan Brown, Senior Director of Marketing for Fresh Del Monte in North America, in the recent release. “We strive to make fresh fruit a priority in everyday adventures. By teaming up with an entertainment powerhouse, we’re together creating fun, memorable experiences in produce aisles and helping to instill healthier habits for families.”

Highlights of Fresh Del Monte’s co-branded promotion include:

  • Co-branded Packaging: Del Monte® bananas, Del Monte Gold® Pineapples, and Honeyglow® Pineapples now feature Toy Story 5 characters on stickers and hangtags, available in-store and online through July 31, 2026.
  • Barcelona Sweepstakes: Fans, ages 18 and up, may scan the QR code on co-branded fruit or visit freshdelmontefun.com to enter for a chance to win* a 5 night family trip to Barcelona, including, subject to availability, visits to Barcelona’s famous Colorful Park & Gardens, tickets to Barcelona’s Science Museum, a guided horseback tour in Montserrat, gelato, and more.
  • Interactive Content: Explore fresh recipes and enter exclusive giveaways like merchandise and movie tickets to see Toy Story 5 in theaters on Instagram.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., a global leader in fresh and shelf-stable produce, is teaming up with Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, in theaters June 19, to celebrate the cinematic return of the iconic characters

For more information about Fresh Del Monte, participating regions, and to enter the sweepstakes, visit freshdelmontefun.com or follow along on Instagram.

*NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C. and Canada, age 18+. Void outside the 50 U.S./D.C., Canada and where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts at 12:00:01 AM ET on 05/01/26; ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 07/31/26. Total ARV of all prizes: $12,810 USD. Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received. For full Terms & Conditions click here and for the Official Rules, visit freshdelmontefun.com.

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