CHARLOTTE, NC - Dole Food Company (Dole) is taking its mission to Make the World a Healthier Place on the road this November, supporting three major endurance events from coast to coast: the TCS New York City Marathon (Nov. 2), the Monterey Bay Half Marathon (Nov. 9), and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon (Nov. 15).

Dole makes its debut on the world’s biggest running stage this year at the TCS New York City Marathon, providing runners with thousands of bananas to refuel and recover after the race. With more than 50,000 participants from around the globe, the event offers Dole a powerful platform to share its mission through good nutrition and community connection. At the finish line in Central Park, runners will be greeted with the unmistakable yellow of DOLEÒ Bananas—an energizing, all-natural reward for the miles they’ve conquered and a fitting reminder that healthy choices can go the distance.

The following week, Dole returns to the California coast to support the Monterey Bay Half Marathon, donating 10,000 bananas for the event. Runners and spectators will see Dole’s presence throughout race weekend on sponsor signage, the event website and emails. It’s a bright reminder that good nutrition and great performance go hand in hand.

Capping its November support, Dole will serve as the Official Banana of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, for the second year running, reinforcing its hometown commitment to wellness and community spirit.

Ahead of race day, Dole will host a booth at the marathon expo at the Charlotte Convention Center on November 14, where attendees can pick up one of the 7,000 bananas, in addition to healthy living cookbooks, ear warmers and running socks. Dole’s beloved mascots Bobby Banana and Pinellopy Pineapple will be on hand to cheer runners on, pose for photos, and bring smiles to the crowd both at the expo and on race day.

Company representatives and volunteers will also distribute an additional 10,000 DOLEÒ Bananas in a dedicated Dole-branded tent, creating a festive finish-line experience that celebrates the joy of movement and good nutrition.

“Marathons represent everything we believe in; sharing the virtues of healthy fuel and proper wellness builds energy, endurance, and community,” said Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s Nutrition and Health Communications Manager, in the recent release. “Supporting runners across the country is one more way we live our mission to make healthy living fun and attainable.”

Learn more about Dole’s health and wellness initiatives at www.dole.com or on Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, and TikTok.

JESSUP, MD - Pete Pappas & Sons Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Edith Rose as Director of Northeast Organic Sales & Procurement, further strengthening our commitment to excellence in organic produce.

Edith Rose brings a wealth of expertise to Pete Pappas & Sons, including decades of experience and well-established relationships in sourcing and evaluating certified organic produce for both wholesale and retail markets.

Her industry knowledge will play a vital role in expanding the Pete’s Garden Organics line, driving the development of new products, and ensuring customers continue to receive a diverse selection of premium, sustainably packaged, and responsibly sourced organic goods.

“We are thrilled to welcome Edith Rose to our team,” said Paul Pappas, President of Pete Pappas & Sons, in the recent release. “I consider Edie a true pioneer in the organic produce industry, and her expertise and supplier relationships will be invaluable as we expand our organic program and elevate the Pete’s Garden Organic line.”

In her new role, Edith will spearhead the expansion of our organic product portfolio, work closely with suppliers to uphold our strict quality standards, and lead innovation in our organic sourcing strategies.

WASHINGTON, DC - David (Dave) Philip Bernstein will be remembered as a respected leader, mentor, and innovator in the produce industry. His career spanned decades across sales, marketing, and executive leadership, including key roles with Sunkist Growers, Pacific Fruit, and his own import/export consultancy introducing Moroccan citrus to the U.S. market.

As shared in his obituary, Dave held many roles throughout his career—from law and sales to executive leadership and board service—all tied to the produce industry he deeply loved. Remembered for his integrity, humor, and generosity, he was the kind of leader who joined junior staff in the lunchroom and shaped countless careers through his encouragement and opportunity.

The International Fresh Produce Association issues the following statement as it joins the fresh produce community in mourning the passing of David Bernstein, a past Chair of the Board for United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (an IFPA legacy organization).

“Dave was a friend and mentor from my very first day at United Fresh in 1993,” said retired United Fresh CEO and retired IFPA Co-CEO Tom Stenzel. “Through it all, he led with a steady hand, encouraging insightful dialogue from his fellow Board members as well as emphasizing the importance of advocacy on behalf of the industry.”

Per his obituary, Mr. Bernstein also served as Vice President of Marketing at Sunkist Growers in California, with his legacy including expansion into Asian markets; Executive Vice President of Pacific Fruit in New York; and owner of an import/export consultancy in Alexandria, introducing Moroccan citrus to the U.S.

A memorial with a reception to follow will be held November 7 at 3 p.m. at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W Braddock Road, Alexandria, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria) or the Community Housing Improvement Project in Lincoln County, Maine (CHIP, Inc. – Neighbors helping neighbors) are appreciated.