Chiquita Brands International announced yesterday (Tuesday 9 February) in a press release its support for the United Fresh Produce Association Foundation’s ‘A Salad Bar in Every School’ campaign.
Chiquita is the first produce company to commit to the initiative, which via multi-year financial and public health commitment by Chiquita and its Fresh Express subsidiary will help support bringing fruit and vegetable salad bars to schools across the US.
The Children's Fruit and Vegetable Act of 2009 (H.R. 4333) introduced by Representatives Sam Farr and Adam Putnam, along with numerous co-sponsors, supports a salad bar policy for schools across the US, as well as better access to fruits and vegetables, which will be required to enable schools to meet the dietary guidelines.
The launch of the Salad Bar in Every School campaign comes in conjunction with the Obama Administration’s bipartisan childhood obesity initiative Let's Move.
The enhanced spotlight provided by First Lady Michelle Obama’s national campaign provides a unique and timely opportunity to promote school salad bars throughout the country and for the Congress to pass the Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Act of 2009.
“We are committed to promoting better childhood nutrition and wellness and we are pleased to join United Fresh in this campaign,” said Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer.
“We can’t think of a better way to support this effort than by providing improved access to fruits and vegetables with school salad bars. We have already been an active partner in this campaign, and we call on our industry colleagues to join this important effort. We applaud Mrs Obama’s initiative and look forward to promoting it with our Congressional representatives.”
Research has shown that children significantly increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables when given a variety of choices in a school salad bar.
When offered multiple fruit and vegetable choices, children respond by trying new items, incorporating greater variety into their diets, and increasing their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. A study concluded that cholesterol, saturated fat and total fat intakes were lowered in school children with access to a school salad bar.
“We aredelighted to have Chiquita and Fresh Express as early partners in this importantinitiative for our nation’s children,” said Tom Stenzel,UnitedFreshpresident and chief executive officer. “We’re honoured that Chiquita and its Fresh Express subsidiary have provided thought leadership, active support, and funding for this campaign, and look forward to their continued leadership.”
