Alex DiNovo
Title: Advisory Board President & President/COO of DNO Produce
Alex DiNovo is the President and COO of DNO Produce (DNO), a thriving family-owned business based in Columbus, Ohio. DNO specializes in cutting, packaging and delivering fresh, ready-to-eat produce to school districts, making nutritious options such as kiwi, kumquats, rainbow cauliflower, apple slices, orange wedges, and baby carrots both accessible and exciting for children. Driven by a passion for food education, Alex played a key role in the creation of Pilot Light’s SnackTime Explorers Program, which integrates hands-on learning with healthy eating.
As a father of seven, Alex is deeply invested in promoting robust child nutrition programs and policies. Under his leadership, DNO Produce was recognized as the 2022 Industry Advocate of the Year by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Alex also serves as Chair of IFPA’s Foundation for Fresh Produce, furthering his mission to bring fresh, healthy foods to schools across the country. His dedication to advancing fresh produce in school nutrition has helped cement DNO’s reputation as a leader in the produce industry and a champion of children’s health.
Favorite Food Education Standard: FES #1 – Food connects us to each other.
Food has a unique way of connecting us to one another, transcending its role as mere sustenance. While it’s often seen as fuel for the body, food is so much more—it’s culture, family, love, and a sense of belonging. Every meal we share tells a story, reflects traditions, and strengthens relationships. The act of preparing, sharing, and enjoying food creates bonds and brings people together, whether around the family table or in larger communities.
Teaching how food connects us is not only powerful but essential. It deepens our understanding of one another and fosters empathy, making it clear that food is a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and how we relate to the world. By recognizing the importance of food in our lives, we can cultivate stronger connections and appreciation for both the food we eat and the people with whom we share it.
A favorite food memory:
When I was young, my father often took me hiking through the Midwestern woods, especially in late April and early May, my favorite time of year. We spent days fishing for white bass and foraging morel mushrooms and ramps, fully immersed in the rhythms of nature. I loved the thrill of discovering morels and pulling fresh ramps from the soil, knowing we’d soon turn our finds into a meal.
After long days of exploring, we’d cook the fresh fish alongside the mushrooms and ramps, savoring every bite. The food always tasted better because we had worked for it, gathering each ingredient ourselves. These experiences taught me that the best meals aren’t just about the flavors—they’re about the connection to the land, the journey to find the ingredients, and the shared memories of the process. Those days in the woods fostered my lifelong respect for nature and the food it provides.
Why I Support Pilot Light:
I support Pilot Light because its approach to teaching through food fosters curiosity and empowers children to make informed choices. In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for kids to develop a deeper connection to the food they eat, understanding that food is not just sustenance, but a reflection of culture, family, community, and love. This philosophy resonates with me deeply, as I believe educating children about food goes beyond nutrition—it builds lifelong habits, strengthens relationships, and cultivates a meaningful relationship with what nourishes us.
Reach me: Connect with me on LinkedIn!