(WAGNER) – RF Buche, President of G.F. Buche Co., has been selected as a featured panelist for the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, September 28 th in Washington, D.C. The event marks the first conference of its kind in over 50 years. At the previous meeting, a groundbreaking nutrition education and food voucher program called WIC (Women, Infants and Children) was developed. The goal of the conference is to bring together public and private sectors to coordinate a strategy to end hunger, improve nutrition and increase physical activity. Buche is very familiar with the disparities surrounding these issues. “We see it every day in our rural and native American communities,” said Buche. “There’s a lack of healthier options and affordable options and this conference is an opportunity to be part of the solutions.” The agenda will feature discussions on the federal government’s national strategy to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases - and how leaders can best help. Specifically, Buche will discuss his experience working with native American communities, and the initiatives G.F. Buche Company has undertaken. He hopes to underscore the urgency of the health and nutrition crisis.

“When we talk about places like Pine Ridge, it’s important for Washington to understand we’re talking about a place that has the lowest life expectancy in the United States,” said Buche. “Good, accessible nutrition is a matter of life and death in a place that has 800 times the national average rate of diabetes.” Buche notes transportation and other access challenges he and his team have worked around to get better food in the hands of more people. “I’m honored to have been invited to present at this conference,” said Buche. “But the greatest honor I get is serving our friends and neighbors and doing our part to get them fresher, healthier options. It’s just the right thing to do.” Learn more at buchefoods.com # # # About G.F. Buche Co. G. F. Buche Co. owns and operates grocery, convenience, auto parts and hardware/lumber stores along with fast food restaurants in 22 locations in 11 different communities throughout South Dakota. The grocery stores that fly under the flag of Buche Foods are located in Gregory, Mission, Oacoma, Pine Ridge, Sisseton, and Wagner.