Marissa Dake, DNO Produce

Marissa Dake serves as the Vice President of Brand and Partnerships at FRESHEALTH and DNO Produce, Columbus, Ohio-based sister companies specializing in fresh-cut produce processing and wholesale produce distribution. At just 19, she managed a USDA Summer Food Service Program site in her Kansas hometown, which exposed her to significant food equity disparities in her community and ignited a lifelong passion to advocate for food systems change. Marissa combines her experience in nonprofit, food and agriculture policy, and government to champion equitable access to fresh produce. She's a strong advocate for the industry’s role in promoting food equity and envisions a collaborative approach where all sectors work together to create meaningful change.

Speakers: 

Mark Gavigan Jr., Seneca Foods

Mark Gavigan – Director of USDA Sales for Seneca Foods Corp. is a professional with a rich history of contributing both to the agricultural industry and community welfare. With a 35-year background covering all aspects of agriculture, from fields to processing, distribution, and sales, Mark's experience is truly comprehensive. In addition to his contributions to the agricultural sector, Mark has devoted his time and skills to philanthropy, having served as a board member of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin. In this capacity, he brought his strategic insights and deep understanding of supply chain dynamics to address the pressing issue of hunger in the region. Mark's commitment to community service, exemplified by his role at Second Harvest, underscores his belief in the broader impact that individuals can have beyond their professional endeavors. His dual focus on both the intricacies of agriculture and the social responsibility embedded in community service paints a portrait of a well-rounded professional dedicated to making a positive impact on multiple fronts.

Lisa is the VP of Foodservice and Industrial Sales for Grimmway Enterprises. She has worked for Grimmway for over 32 years. She has witnessed the growth and evolution of carrots, specifically, peeled baby carrots. Her focus and primary goals in her current position is to target every opportunity to provide customers with exceptional quality and service for their carrot and vegetable needs.

Jacki Van Eerden, 

Van Eerden Foodservice

Jacki Van Eerden, is a Bid Manager for Van Eerden Foodservice. A Family owned broadline distributor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her Great Grandfather started the company in 1920. Although a member of the Van Eerden Family for 45 years she has worked at the company for 17 years. She earned her BS in Marketing Management at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Jacki Van Eerden has been involved with ACDA and served on their ACDA conference planning board for 4 years. She is currently serving on the IFPA Distributor/Wholesale board for her 2nd year. She is passionate about fresh in schools and increasing awareness and consumption of fresh for children. When not working she is loves to compete in Triathlons, and has earned multiple 1st place Age group awards.

Bertrand Weber,

Minneapolis Public Schools

With over 40 years of management experience in hospitality and school food service, Bertrand Weber has pioneered innovative programs in school nutrition since 2003. As Director of Minneapolis Public School Culinary and Wellness Services since 2012, he's led initiatives like Market Cart Salad Bars and Farm to School contracts with 14 local farms. Bertrand's leadership has garnered national recognition and shaped school lunch programs nationwide.