This morning during the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools press conference at United Fresh 2013, more inspiring examples of MOMENTUM were announced, along with the impressive results of the fresh produce industry’s California contingent’s efforts. Announcements included:

• Funds have been raised to place 436 salad bars across California over the next year.
• These salad bars, distributed across 71 school districts, will provide fresh fruits and vegetables to about 300,000 students.
• The 436 salad bar donations far surpassed the group’s goal of 350.

We applaud our friends and colleagues who worked tirelessly to exceed their goal. And while the numbers are impressive, the words of one student from a San Diego school that is benefitting from a new salad bar are even more impactful and serve as a great reminder of this initiative’s importance to our children, our industry and our communities.

“Ever since we’ve gotten a salad bar at our school, I’ve been asking my mom to buy more fruits and vegetables so I can eat them at home, too.”

Not only are these salad bars establishing healthy habits among our youth, but they are directly increasing consumption of our fresh products! The good news coming out of San Diego today will motivate many, and The Core and DMA Solutions are committed to keeping that momentum going. Take a look at these facts and then print them out and hang them in your office for daily inspiration – for United Fresh 2014 in Chicago is only 364 days away!