WATSONVILLE, CA – With more than 50 riders and 32 sponsors, this year’s classic Tour de Fresh event is already breaking numbers with donations and attendees. With a goal of raising at least $175,000 for Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools, riders have already raised $27,132 for the July event.

“In order to meet our goal of placing 50 more salad bars in schools this year, we’ll need support from industry professionals, family, friends, and local community members,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing at California Giant Berry Farms, in a recent press release. “We want everyone who supports this event to feel a sense of ownership and pride, knowing that their contribution lasts far beyond 2016 - it provides fresh fruits and vegetables to thousands of students for years to come.” 

Participants are comprised from all areas of the produce industry, and will ride from Napa Valley to Monterey, CA, from July 26 to 28. As this year’s event takes place three months earlier than last, Tour de Fresh is encouraging everyone to share donation pages via social media, lead fundraising events, and involve their surrounding businesses and schools to help support the earlier sponsorship.

“We believe wholeheartedly in the mission of Tour de Fresh, which is why Sunripe Certified Brands has chosen to be a Premier sponsor this year,” said Jon Esformes, CEO of Sunripe Certified Brands. “It is our hope that companies and communities will rally together to support the riders who have committed their personal time to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students.”

Anyone who donates to a rider now through May 31 will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a $1,000 Visa gift card, courtesy of the following Premier sponsors:

• California Giant Berry Farms
• Church Brothers Farms
• Dole Fresh Vegetables
• Enza Zaden
• Fresh Point
• J&J Family of Farms
• Mission
• Sunripe Certified Brands
• Tanimura & Antle
• Tsamma

Tour de Fresh is presented by the California Giant Foundation for the fresh produce industry. Through the event donations, Tour de Fresh and Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools hope to supply over 50 schools nationwide with salad bars. 

For a full list of available Tour de Fresh sponsorships and riding opportunities, visit the website here or contact Brock Nemecek at [email protected].

Keep cycling back to AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover the upcoming Tour de Fresh event, and get registered now!

Tour de Fresh