‘Produce Pete’ joins Picatinny Arsenal for 100 Days of Summer kickoff and Army Birthday celebration

By Eric KowalJune 20, 2025

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Officials here welcomed ‘Produce Pete’ as part of the northern New Jersey U.S. Army installation’s 100 Days of Summer campaign and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration, June 11....
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Officials here welcomed ‘Produce Pete’ as part of the northern New Jersey U.S. Army installation’s 100 Days of Summer campaign and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration, June 11.

Peter Napolitano better known by stage name Produce Pete, is an American grocer, chef, and celebrity spokesperson who is perhaps best known for his weekly fruit and vegetable segments that appear on WNBC in New York City for the last 33 years and WCAU in Philadelphia.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Arm photo by Todd Mozes)
VIEW ORIGINAL

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Officials here welcomed ‘Produce Pete’ as part of the northern New Jersey U.S. Army installation’s 100 Days of Summer campaign and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration, June 11.

Peter Napolitano better known by stage name Produce Pete, is an American grocer, chef, and celebrity spokesperson who is perhaps best known for his weekly fruit and vegetable segments that appear on WNBC in New York City for the last 33 years and WCAU in Philadelphia.

During a private event at the Club at Picatinny, Produce Pete delivered a live demonstration highlighting seasonal fruits and vegetables, nutrition tips and ways to support healthy habits for Soldiers, Army civilians, families and retirees.

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Officials here welcomed ‘Produce Pete’ as part of the northern New Jersey U.S. Army installation’s 100 Days of Summer campaign and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration, June 11....
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Officials here welcomed ‘Produce Pete’ as part of the northern New Jersey U.S. Army installation’s 100 Days of Summer campaign and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration, June 11.

Peter Napolitano better known by stage name Produce Pete, is an American grocer, chef, and celebrity spokesperson who is perhaps best known for his weekly fruit and vegetable segments that appear on WNBC in New York City for the last 33 years and WCAU in Philadelphia.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Todd Mozes)
VIEW ORIGINAL

“When we think about the nutritional component that fruits and vegetables bring, I want you to think of your plate,” said Lt. Col. Joetta Khan, Registered Dietitian at Picatinny Arsenal, and Deputy Consultant to the Surgeon General, Nutrition and Dietetics, as she addressed the audience at the presentation’s conclusion.

“Half of your plate should always be fruits and vegetables. They are going to bring great antioxidants and fiber, which is important for both your physical and mental health. Think about how you can start to incorporate those. Whether you are eating at the food establishments here on Picatinny or going out in the community and eating at a restaurant, or even at your home,” Khan said.

Khan conducts both in-person and virtual consultations for Picatinny employees, offering tailored nutrition support for a wide range of conditions, goals, and lifestyles.

As part of your personalized consultation, Khan will:

• Ask questions to understand your current health and nutritional status

• Assess your dietary needs based on medical history and lifestyle

• Help you develop an achievable plan to meet your goals

• Offer realistic, sustainable strategies to improve your overall readiness

The “Produce Pete” presentation was put together by Amy Gopel, Picatinny Arsenal’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program Manager and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator, and Kristina Williams, Picatinny Arsenal's Drug Testing Program Coordinator.

“This year’s wellness theme is ‘Produce for Readiness’ because the fuel we give our bodies matters,” said Gopel. “Nutrition impacts energy, focus, resilience, and total performance preventing high risk behaviors.”

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -  Amy Gopel, Picatinny Arsenal’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program Manager and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator, speaks as officials here welcomed ‘Produce Pete’ as part of the northern New Jersey U.S....
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Amy Gopel, Picatinny Arsenal’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program Manager and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator, speaks as officials here welcomed ‘Produce Pete’ as part of the northern New Jersey U.S. Army installation’s 100 Days of Summer campaign and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration, June 11. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Todd Mozes) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 100 Days of Summer campaign is a Department of Defense initiative focused on promoting safety, prevention, and overall well-being during the high-risk summer months. The event aligns with the Army’s commitment to holistic readiness and coincided with the 250th Army Birthday on June 14, adding significance to this installation-wide celebration.

Picatinny Arsenal is the Joint Center of Excellence for Guns and Ammunition, providing products and services to all branches of the U.S. military. The Picatinny workforce includes Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, U.S. Federal employees and contractor personnel who lead in the research, development, acquisition and lifecycle management of advanced conventional weapon systems and ammunition. Picatinny's portfolio comprises nearly 90 percent of the Army's lethality and all conventional ammunition for joint warfighters.