NOGALES, AZ – Building enduring community ties and growing the future of fruits and veggies, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), in conjunction with United Fresh’s “Let’s Move Salad Bar to School” program, donated salad bars to two Nogales-area schools in a ceremony that took place November 4th.

“Putting a salad bar in front of children each and every school day encourages the consumption of fruits and vegetables.  At the same time, it creates a culture of healthy living, providing great benefits for their development, the school, and the community in general,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of FPAA, in a press release.

The program is a product of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” agenda to promote better nutrition and fitness in children. The FPAA has participated in the program, along with United Fresh and other organizations, for the past four years.

The Nogales U.S. Customs Broker Association Inc.’s contributions made the FPAA’s participation possible and have allowed the FPAA to donate one salad bar each year to local institutions. A 5K benefit activity earlier in the year allowed the organization to donate to a second school.

The recipients of this year’s donation are: Lincoln Elementary in Nogales Unified School District and Calabasas Middle School in Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District.

At the donation ceremony, representing the schools involved were Dr. Lucina Romero, Principal of Lincoln Elementary; Mia Rodriguez, a student at Lincoln Elementary; Dr. David Verdugo, School Superintendent of District 35; Andrea Altamirano, student of Calabasas Middle School; Ed Bañuelos from Southwest Food Services of Excellence; and Alfredo Velasquez, School Superintendent of Santa Cruz County. 

For more on initiatives designed to increase produce consumption, check back with AndNowUKnow.

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas