FEEDING THE WORLD

MELISSA MELSHENKER ACKERMAN, founder and CEO of Planet Harvest LLC, has a vision to optimize the produce supply chain to ensure that as much of the world’s usable produce is consumed, that everyone who wants access to fresh nutritious food has it, and that we are better stewards to the planet by reducing waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption. She is bringing this mission to life through Planet Harvest and now seeks to change the landscape for all stakeholders in the agriculture ecosystem— growers, distributors, retailers, consumers, and the health care industry.

What has been the most significant barrier in your career and how have you persevered? Waking up in March of 2020 and finding the unimaginable—all restaurants, airports, and businesses closed overnight. We had literally hundreds of warehouses and thousands of fields full of fresh produce destined for the food service channel. We had to pivot quickly to keep the supply chain alive, utilize as much product as possible, and get nutritious food to people who found themselves unemployed and food insecure for the first time in their lives.

What are you most proud of doing? I used to joke when I was a child that my dad was the “potato man.” However, when I began my career, first as a lawyer and then for my family business, I realized that it was so much larger than just selling potatoes. Potatoes not only put food on our table, but also put nutritious and satisfying food on the tables of millions of families across America.

How can this generation of leaders support the next generation of leaders? As leaders, we need to commit and invest in the future as the influential people who mentored us did. Creating space and balance allows all to flourish and their authentic selves to shine.

For more information, visit goldifresh.com.