<p><strong>Washington, D.C.-</strong><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">By ANUK Staff<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Pro*Act is helping to recognize the use of fresh produce in the culinary arts through its sponsorship of the United Fresh Foundation’s 2013 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program at United Fresh 2013. United Fresh is now welcoming nominations to its United Fresh Foundation’s 2013 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program. The program which Pro*Act has sponsored since it was established, honors the foodservice industry’s most innovative produce players.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Since the program's inception in 2008, twenty-seven talented chefs and foodservice professionals have been honored for their outstanding work in incorporating fresh produce in menu development, proper food safety and handling, engaging in community outreach, and building a positive dining experience while presenting fresh produce, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/Awards.jpg" alt="11/27/2012 Images" /><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“The creative ways that these chefs and foodservice professionals feature produce as the centerpiece of the plate truly grabs consumers’ attention,” said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president and CEO. “Their talent creates an increase in the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, for which the entire industry is appreciative.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Six chefs will be honored in each the following business categories: Business in Industry & Colleges Hotels & Healthcare Industry, Casual and Family Dining Restaurants, Fine Dining Restaurants, K-12 Foodservice, and Quick Serve Restaurants. The winners are chosen by a panel of United Fresh member representatives focused on excellence in the foodservice sector. Nominations must be submitted before January 16, 2013.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/UF2013.jpg" alt="11/27/2012 Images" /><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“Produce can take a consumer’s ordinary dining experience and make it extraordinary.” said Max Yeater, President of PRO*ACT. “We are proud to continue to support this program which honors chefs who make fresh produce an integral part of their menus and provider their customers with innovative and exciting concepts.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The chefs will be honored at the Annual Chairman’s Reception & Produce Celebration Dinner and will share their views on produce trends in foodservice in education sessions at the convention. PRO*ACT will also make a donation to a charitable organization of each winner’s choice.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.unitedfreshfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83&Itemid=133" target="_new"> United Fresh </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
