Leticia Velazquez, The FruitGuys Midwest Operations Supervisor, was considered one of 4 folks chosen for the distinguished Frieda Rapoport Caplan Household Enterprise Scholarship Program for 2021. This system offers scholarships for representatives from household companies to take part within the United Contemporary Washington Convention (held Sept. 20-22, 2021) which brings members to the nation’s capital to be taught from and interact with congressional leaders, administration officers, and trade colleagues.
The scholarship program was launched in 2001 by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins of Frieda’s, Inc., on behalf of their mom, produce trade pioneer Dr. Frieda Rapoport Caplan, to carry extra family-owned enterprise members to the United Contemporary Produce Affiliation’s annual public coverage convention in Washington D.C. 
“It was an awesome expertise!” mentioned Leticia upon returning to Chicago, the place she heads up The FruitGuys Midwest operations, together with shopping for nice produce within the area, assembly with purchasers, and coaching and mentoring different fruit folks. “I felt very proud and empowered! It’s arduous to consider that my dad was selecting grapes in Clovis, CA within the Nineteen Sixties, and now his daughter is assembly with members of congress to debate issues that have an effect on our produce trade in America in 2021.”
Leticia was employed seven years in the past by The FruitGuys as operations supervisor in Chicago. She realized in regards to the United Contemporary Produce Affiliation whereas working right here. “All of us get the emails from United Contemporary. Most occasions we could hit delete,” she mentioned. “Nevertheless, if you happen to take the time to learn them you’ll find out about lots of the alternatives which can be accessible to us totally free as members by FruitGuys. All of us qualify totally free Webinars, seminars, management programs and the power to use to the Frieda Caplan Scholarship.”
Leticia reported that the convention had 3 keynote audio system. “First, Seth Turner, the director of citizen engagement, gave us the instruments on communicate to congress folks, reminding us that they’re caring people that wish to hear our story. Second, Cedric Richmond Sr., White Home advisor and director of public workplace engagement, reminded us how necessary it’s to have a seat on the desk. He mentioned, “If you’re not on the desk you’re on the menu!” (Your Fruit gal was sitting on the honoree desk.) He confused how necessary all of our jobs are to maintaining wholesome meals on the desk and defined the significance of households coming collectively to share a meal day by day and share their tales with one another. Third, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), she spoke in regards to the want for immigration reform and the impacts of local weather change on the produce trade.”
Leticia additionally met with Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Illinois) & Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and shared the factors that she had stumble on after discussing public coverage points with FruitGuys colleagues and executives:
- The FruitGuys mission is to assist help small farms and the way the Meals Security Modernization Act impacts the small farms that may’t afford the third social gathering audit now required;
- FDA must outline the necessities for water used for agriculture;
- Advocate for extra funding for packages reminiscent of WIC, SNAP, FFVP, and USDA Farms to Households so youngsters and households can maintain getting the nutritious fruits and veggies even when they’ll’t afford them;
- Immigration Reform: Make it simpler for migrant staff to return out and in of the U.S. to help with harvests. John Peterson from Angelic Organics shared this with me throughout my go to to his farm. He expressed that having visas would make it simpler for farmers to get the migrant staff right here.
- How The FruitGuys and different family-owned companies that suffered through the pandemic would profit from an extension of the Worker Retention Tax Credit score, which is about to run out.
Final however not least, Leticia attended the United Contemporary PAC dinner, the place she was capable of community with produce trade leaders and style meals ready by Presidential Chef Martin Mongiello. She particularly loved attempting three themed dressings on one salad: Invoice Clinton’s favourite banana French dressing, Hilary Clinton’s favourite mango dressing, and Ivanka Trump’s balsamic French dressing.
“Sure, I attempted all three drizzled on my salad like a colourful peace signal!”
