APEAM (the Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers Association of Michoacán) has announced a whole host of activities to celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial this year, including participation as an official sponsor of the Mexican Independence Parade in East Los Angeles on Sunday 12 September.
The organisation featured in the parade with a 24ft float, designed by award-winning Fiesta Parade Floats and accompanied by Miss Avocado and Mexican avocado exporters from the country’s avocado-growing region Michoacán.
To highlight Avocados from Mexico’s focus on healthy eating, more than 15,000 avocados were given away to attendees at the parade festival. Guacamole made with avocados from Mexico was the official snack of the parade’s VIP area.
“Avocados from Mexico are a part of the rich cultural background that is being celebrated during the Bicentennial,” said Board Chairman Ricardo J. Vega Lopez. “We are proud to give back to the community as part of the festivities.”
In addition, Avocados from Mexico, in partnership with the Mexican Consulate of Los Angeles, is planning a historic photograph on 16 September 16 featuring 200 Mexicans and Mexican-Americans who share Mexico’s anniversary.
The photo, to be taken by renowned Mexican photographer Lourdes Almeida, will serve as a historical account of the Bicentennial in Los Angeles.
In honour of the Bicentennial, Avocados from Mexico has also made a US$15,000 donation to the Center for Diabetes at (WMMC), a not-for-profit, community hospital which provides a full range of services to communities in and around downtown Los Angeles.
Nearly 50,000 people in the East Los Angeles area have type 2 diabetes.One in seven Latinos – and one in four Mexican-Americans over the age of 45 – are diabetic. It is an epidemic that has serious health and economic consequences for those afflicted.
The donation will provide critical funding to double the existing size of the WMMC Center for Diabetes’ Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program (HELP), a pediatric obesity management initiative.
The donation also will fund real life grocery store tour field trips for HELP participants. This vital education process helps to bring nutrition to life and provides participants with the necessary information to make wise shopping decisions in their daily lives.
“Mexico and our people have a rich history and culture that we are thrilled to honour at the Bicentennial.During this time, we should celebrate not only our past, but our future,” said Mr Lopez.
“Avocados from Mexico believes that everyone in our community should live a healthy and full life. By partnering with White Memorial, we are able to help reach at-risk families and ensure a brighter future for many.”
