On the heels of her latest book launch, Hard Choices, former First Lady, Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton took the stage at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago’s McCormick Place with grace and humility. As keynote speaker for the joint United/FMI General Session kicking off this year’s convention, Clinton discussed some of her experiences in public office that related to food. She reiterated that life is about making healthy choices as individuals as well as a collective group.
In addition to her efforts with Farm to Fork (Clinton's program designed to make local farming in New York State a more competitive enterprise), the Clinton Foundation (Bill, Hillary and Chelsea collaborate to create partnerships that deliver sustainable solutions transforming communities), and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation (founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation as a response to the growing rate of childhood obesity), she continues to encourage better food practices with the help of farmers and/or other heads of state.
She recounted one instance when she was First Lady that influenced her to cultivate change in eating habits. Upon sitting down to a meal with foreign leaders from other countries, she noticed that guests would always enjoy the local fruits and vegetables of that particular country; whereas the U.S. meetings typically featured French cuisine. She believed that “cuisine is the oldest diplomatic tool,” and requested that the White House menu feature American dishes that celebrated healthy options.
Clinton also sat with Wonderful Brands’ CEO, Stewart Resnick, to discuss industry challenges such as immigration reform. She emphasized the importance of simply considering the economics of reform and how that element alone proves its necessity.
Even though the engagement was presented as a United Fresh and FMI event, Clinton’s speech was primarily focused on the use of fruits and vegetables rather than other retailer food efforts.
Source: PerishableNews.com