CHICAGO, IL – The United Fresh Produce Association announced the donation of salad bars to 200 Midwest schools through its multi-year Let’s Move Salad Bars to Midwest Schools campaign at the United Fresh 2014 Convention in Chicago.  The schools spread across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

“We are at a pivotal moment in school nutrition," said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel.  “Our industry is committed to helping schools serve a wide variety of fresh fruits and I’m thrilled to see so many produce industry leaders and businesses step forward to support the salad bar campaign.  This is truly a transformational program, making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids.”

It is estimated that 100,000 Midwest students in both urban and rural school districts will benefit from the access to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetable as school lunch every day, according to a press release. 

“Our philosophy is to provide our students with fresh produce every day. We believe salad bars are teaching our students about the importance of eating healthy, that fruits and vegetables are delicious and should be part of every meal,” said Bertrand Weber, Director, Culinary and Nutrition Services for the Minneapolis Public Schools.  “We currently have salad bars in 31 of our 62 Minneapolis Public Schools and our goal is to expand our salad bar program to more schools.  Let’s Move Salad Bars to MIDWEST Schools is helping us accomplish that goal.”

Sherri Matuszky, School Foodservice Director, Wethersfield Community Unified School District #230 in Kewanee, IL, said that the salad bars have become an important addition to their school meal program, and stated that she has received very positive feedback from students, staff and parents.

United Fresh