Reducing Waste.
Creating Change.
At Planet Harvest, we bring unmatched expertise to the complexities of the fresh produce supply chain. Our team is made up of seasoned leaders who have spent decades immersed in every facet of the food industry, from procurement and perishables, marketing to operations and strategic partnerships. Together, we’ve led national food relief efforts, fueled category growth for farmers and retailers, and built supply chain programs that stand up to the toughest conditions.
This experience forms the foundation of how we operate today: as problem-solvers, connectors, and market makers for fresh produce across all grades, from premium to perfectly imperfect.
Founders
Melissa Melshenker Ackerman
CEO & Co-Founder of Planet Harvest
Melissa Melshenker Ackerman is the former President of Produce Alliance, one of the country’s largest produce management, procurement, and consulting companies. During her time in this role, she spearheaded the company’s work as a contractor for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, which delivered fresh food to hungry families across the nation—and helped farmers maintain their operations—during the pandemic. Her experience leading this important initiative inspired her to start Planet Harvest with a simple goal: to optimize the fresh produce supply chain and increase consumption of fresh produce.
Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump is an entrepreneur and former senior White House advisor. She created and spearheaded the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program during the pandemic, which delivered more than 175 million boxes of fresh food to families in need while supporting struggling farmers across the country. That experience sparked a deep passion for supporting America’s small farmers and feeding families in need. Since leaving government, she has continued to champion emergency feeding efforts—from Maui to Fort Myers to North Carolina—and to promote private sector solutions that improve food access and support farmers. She co-founded Planet Harvest alongside Melissa to reimagine how the whole harvest, including surplus produce, moves from farm to table—building a smarter, more sustainable food system that reduces waste, support farmers, and nourish families.
Entrepreneur & Co-Founder of Planet Harvest
In The News
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Chiquita joins Fresh Express and Planet Harvest on Fresh Communities Tour
Chiquita Brands International, in collaboration with Fresh Express and Planet Harvest, has officially launched the ’Fresh Communities Tour: From the Fields to America’s Cities’.
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Fresh Express, Chiquita, Planet Harvest and World Vision Unite to Support 1,500 Chicago Families
The Fresh Communities Tour heads to Chicago, Streamwood and the surrounding areas, uniting leaders across the food system to help expand access to fresh food, nutrition resources and meal inspiration.
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Over 36 billion pounds of good produce is wasted every year: A ‘whole harvest’ solution can help
This spring, a second-generation strawberry farmer in California stood in his fields with two generations of farmers by his side.
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The Produce Industry EXPOSED: We’re Throwing Away Billions of Dollars of Food Per Year
Melissa Ackerman – Founder & CEO of Planet Harvest, sits down with The Bossticks to discuss the significant produce waste in the U.S.