Ivanka Trump is working to enhance access to fresh produce in the United States through Planet Harvest, a company she co-founded in 2023 with Melissa Ackerman, who serves as CEO. This initiative aims to address issues such as rising healthcare costs, chronic disease, food waste, and challenges faced by small farmers. According to a recent social media post, the company focuses on scalable solutions and whole-harvest sourcing to deliver fruits and vegetables, including surplus crops, from farmers to various outlets like grocers, food service companies, and emergency feeding programs.
Planet Harvest describes itself as a profit-for-purpose entity, committed to supporting small farmers, increasing fresh produce accessibility, reducing waste, and advancing nutritional standards. The company’s website highlights efforts in national food relief, driving growth for farmers and retailers, and developing resilient supply chain programs.
This initiative occurs alongside Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, targeting improved nutrition and reversing chronic disease trends. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported in 2023 that 18 million households experienced food insecurity, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthy food.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Erica Kenney notes that inconsistent access to healthy food can lead to chronic diseases, underscoring the critical nature of initiatives like Planet Harvest in addressing these challenges.
