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.

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.

“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:

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.

“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.

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.}

ROSEMONT, IL - US Foods Holding Corp., one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, announced that its Board of Directors has approved a Board leadership transition. Effective now, Dave Flitman, currently Chief Executive Officer, assumed the additional role of Chair of the Board. David Tehle, currently Chair, transitioned to the role of Lead Independent Director of the Board.

As Chair of the Board and CEO, Dave Flitman will continue to lead the company’s day-to-day operations, while working closely with the Board to guide the company’s long-term strategic direction.

As Lead Independent Director, David Tehle will retain significant responsibilities, working alongside the Chair and the full Board to continue the Board’s independent oversight role, strong corporate governance practices, and commitment to acting in the best interests of shareholders.

“The Board believes that combining the strategic oversight of the Board with the day-to-day management of the company will accelerate US Foods' long-term growth potential,” said David Tehle, Lead Independent Director. Tehle continued in the recent release, “Dave Flitman is a proven operator with deep foodservice experience. Under his strong leadership over the last three and a half years, US Foods has seen significant improvement in safety performance, share gains, supply chain productivity, and customer service levels, while delivering industry-leading earnings per share growth. At the center of these improvements has been a relentless focus on our customers and helping them Make It. I have great confidence in Dave’s ability to continue guiding the team to deliver long-term shareholder value, and I look forward to continuing to support the Board and leadership team as US Foods builds on its strong momentum.”

“I am honored and grateful for the Board’s confidence and look forward to our continued collaboration as we deliver value for our customers and shareholders, drive consistent share gains across our target customer types, and continue to advance operational excellence and productivity throughout the business,” said Dave Flitman, Chair of the Board and CEO of US Foods. “I want to thank David Tehle for his strong partnership as Chair of the Board, and I appreciate his continued support as he transitions to Lead Independent Director.”

SPARTA, MI - Applewood Fresh, the Michigan-based apple grower, packer, and shipper operating under parent company FirstFruits Farms, announced a new strategic sales partnership with Belding Fruit Storage, Inc. of Belding, Michigan. Through the partnership, Applewood Fresh will serve as the sales and marketing function for Belding Fruit’s apple program, further strengthening supply capabilities and customer support throughout the Midwest and East Coast.

Located in Belding, Michigan, Belding Fruit Storage, Inc. operates one of the largest apple storage facilities in the eastern United States, with storage capacity exceeding one-half million bushels. The partnership brings together two long-standing Michigan apple organizations with shared commitments to quality, service, and strategic partnerships.

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen our presence in the marketplace as a multi-regional supply entity,” said Lon Hudson, National Sales Director of FirstFruits, in the recent release.

The expanded program will offer customers access to a robust lineup of conventional, core, and high-flavor apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, EverCrisp, SweeTango, Fuji, Gala, and Red Delicious, among others. The partnership also enhances the companies’ ability to offer stronger volumes and an extended shipping season.

“We are excited about the partnership with Belding Fruit Storage and the opportunity to serve as the sales function for Belding’s group of generational growers and experienced staff,” said Scott Morrison, General Manager of Applewood Fresh. “Partnering with Belding strengthens our supply chain with additional supply, capacity, storage, and cross-docking opportunities. Additionally, access to fruit grown in other regions of the state will help mitigate seasonal weather fluctuations.”

Belding Fruit Storage, Inc., has been deeply rooted in Michigan agriculture for generations and is well known throughout the industry for its commitment to quality fruit and long-standing relationships.

“This partnership represents an important step forward for Belding Fruit Storage and our growers. By aligning our storage and packing capabilities with Applewood Fresh’s sales expertise, we are creating a stronger, more focused path to market for Michigan apples,” said Curt Norberg, President of Belding Fruit Storage.

Together, the companies aim to strengthen partnerships through expanded regional supply, increased flexibility, and collaborative planning designed to drive long-term category growth.