Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry member and long-time child nutrition advocate Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) will address attendees at the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference next Wednesday.

          "Senator Stabenow is someone who has seen first-hand the effects that better child nutrition can have on kids in school," said United Fresh Vice President of Nutrition and Health Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, who last year accompanied Stabenow on a tour of Salinas, Calif.-area schools participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program and employing a school salad bar. "The Senator is committed to improving children’s health not only in her home state, but nationwide. We are looking forward to hearing from her on the important role better nutrition plays in that effort."

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Stabenow’s leadership in rewriting our nation’s farm bill has brought about an historic new focus on Michigan’s specialty crops and victories for Michigan in alternative energy production, Great Lakes preservation, land conservation, research, food safety, nutrition and rural development.

Senator Stabenow’s address is one of the multiple educational opportunities at the conference, September 14-16 at the Gaylord National Hotel on the banks of the Potomac River. During the three-day event, attendees will gather to discuss food safety, farm labor, nutrition and consumption, locally grown and other priority issues for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. Attendees will hear from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson (D-MN), USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), as well as political strategist and author Frank Luntz. During the annual March on Capitol Hill, industry members will have the unique opportunity to meet in person with lawmakers and staff, discuss food safety policies with FDA officials, hear from key Cabinet officials and engage in face-to-face dialogue with President Obama’s executive team. Additionally, top national journalists will discuss important policy issues and the value of relationships with the consumer media during the Fresh Press media roundtable.

This year’s conference will also include the return of the Management Resource Center, where attendees can research and explore new solutions and technology providers, and the popular Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill, a favorite among industry members and congressional staffers alike. During Fresh Festival, House and Senate lawmakers and their staff join attendees to sample the various fruits and vegetables the produce industry has to offer. In addition to Fresh Festival, the conference will also include a New Orleans-themed cruise up the Potomac River to benefit United’s A Salad Bar in Every School campaign. As part of the build-up to the United Fresh 2011 convention and expo in New Orleans, guests will enjoy Dixieland jazz, dinner and waterfront views of Washington, D.C., all while raising funds to provide salad bars to schools in New Orleans and nationwide.

Registration is now open and more information may be found by contacting United Fresh Political Affairs Manager Angela Bezon at 202-303-3400, ext. 416 or abezon@unitedfresh.org, or by visiting http://www.unitedfresh.org.