Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D.
Produce for Better Health Foundation
Elizabeth Pivonka is President of the Produce for Better Health Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation devoted to increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables.
A passionate advocate of greater consumption of fruits and vegetables for America’s better health, Dr. Pivonka has been integrally involved with the Foundation’s efforts since it was incorporated in 1991. She served as Director of Nutrition and Science and then as Deputy Executive Director before she was selected as President in 1997. She guides the Foundation’s efforts to work through industry members and government partners to advance the overall effort of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption through past implementation of the 5 A Day program and now through the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters health initiative.
Dr. Pivonka plays a critical role as co-chair, together with CDC, of the National Fruit & Vegetable Alliance’s Steering Committee. The National Fruit & Vegetable Alliance is a network of federal and state government agencies, non-profit organizations, and fruit and vegetable industry members who work collaboratively to achieve increased nationwide access and demand for all forms of fruits and vegetables for improved public health.
Dr. Pivonka was recognized in 2007 as one of the “Top Women in Grocery” by Progressive Grocer. She was recognized as one of the “Top 25” produce industry leaders in 2005 and as the 2001 Marketer of the Year, both by a leading produce publication, The Packer. Kansas State University selected her as one of their 2005 Alumni Fellows. Under Pivonka’s leadership, the Foundation has also received a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2009 Pioneering Innovation Award and Secretary Tommy Thompson’s Health & Human Services 2004 Innovation in Prevention Award.
Dr. Pivonka is a Registered Dietitian, and holds a doctorate in food and nutrition science from KansasStateUniversity. She is married and has two children.