The United Fresh Foundation has, in collaboration with Produce for Kids and Publix Super Markets, raised funds to donate salad bars to 39 schools in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee through the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative.
The largest single produce industry contribution to Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools to date will benefit more than 20,000 students, according to the United Fresh Produce Association.
'We are thrilled that 39 schools will receive salad bars and especially gratified that 17 salad bars will go to Miami-Dade County Public schools where just over a year ago First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools at Riverside Elementary School,' said Dr Lorelei DiSogra, United Fresh vice-president of nutrition. 'This generous donation from Produce for Kids and Publix Super Markets will jump-start salad bars in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
'Salad bars are an effective way for schools to meet the new school mealguidelines, and kids really respond positively when given the choice toeat healthy foods,' Di Sogra added. 'Research and school experience shows that students eat more fresh produce when they have a salad bar that provides a variety of colorful choices of fruits and vegetables every school day.'
United Fresh noted that salad bars will also be donated to schools in Walker County in Alabama, Polk County and Union County in Florida, Troup County and Lanier County in Georgia and the Coffee County School District in Tennessee.
'Foods that are colourful and fresh are tempting to the eyes and the taste buds,' said Maria Brous, Publix director of media & community relations. 'When children are exposed to fruits and vegetables from a salad bar they are more likely to eat and enjoy them. Our goal is to help develop a love for these foods at school that can then be shared with families at home.'
Tom Stenzel, United Fresh President and CEO, pointed to the high rates of obesity in the southeast of the country, as well as lower frit and vegetable consumption rates, as crucial reasons for spreading salad bars across schools in the region.
'We are proud to have Produce for Kids and Publix Super Markets join us in helping schools in the southeast,' commented Stenzel. 'These 39 salad bars will increase students’ fruit and vegetable consumption and provide healthier options at lunch. 'Together with our Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools partners, more than 1,200 schools nationwide now have salad bars.'
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