NEWARK, DE - We may feel physically farther from our community, but virtually we’re closer than ever. This is, in part, due to leaders like PMA's Center for Growing Talent (CGT), whose latest program includes a Virtual Wellness Walk and Run Challenge that is bringing together the produce and floral industry to participate in a healthy opportunity.

“The idea of the Virtual Wellness Walk and Run Challenge is first to bring together our industry since we have not been able to gather in person in some time,” said CGT Contributor Relations and Fundraising Manager, Kelsey Palandrani. “Secondly, each contribution and registration supports our education programs, designed to attract and develop talent on behalf of the industry. With traditional events on hold and university students going remote, we know that it’s more important than ever that we’re working to reach potential talent in new ways and the Virtual Wellness Walk and Run Challenge helps us accomplish that.”

Following stay-at-home restrictions, the Virtual Wellness Walk and Run Challenge serves as an outlet for healthy competition and team building (many organizations are using the event to bring their teams together even if they’re far apart), all while supporting the attraction and development of the next generation of industry talent.

Among this year’s 490 registered participants and 39 teams include supply-side leaders like Naturipe Farms, Sun World International, and Renaissance Food Group. Other leaders like Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Volm Companies, Catania Worldwide, Progressive Produce, Lakeside Produce, and Mucci Farms also helped to sponsor the event. And, according to a press release, participants have already clocked more than 5,500 cumulative miles.

“We are so happy to see the miles and the participation grow,” said Director of Business Development, Jamie Kitz. “We have all been walking untraveled paths over the past several months and we’re grateful that the industry has chosen to walk those paths with us. For those of us who have been out of the office for several weeks, this type of program is perfect for some healthy competition and connection with colleagues. We challenge all of our industry members to join, challenge their teams, and challenge their industry partners to take a social distance walk with their friends, families, and pets, record those miles and time, all while contributing to the industry and CGT programs.”

Thus far, two thirds of the participants have signed up for the 30-mile cumulative challenge and have been submitting their results regularly, with the top performer in the cumulative challenge leading the way with 140 miles. Participants can also run or walk 1 mile or a 5K.

If you haven’t joined the challenge just yet, there are still two weeks left to go—the Virtual Wellness Walk and Run Challenge will continue through June 21. So, what are you waiting for? Register now for the CGT Virtual Wellness Walk/Run Challenge today to get your health on!

Center for Growing Talent PMA