H-E-B Partners With Dole To Donate Salad Bars

Lunchtime at all seven elementary schools in Seguin Independent School District (ISD) will now feature a fresh and fun new way to eat fruits and vegetables.

Committed to increasing healthier options for students, H-E-B will donate seven salad bars to elementary schools in Seguin Independent School District (ISD), a district where 69 percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch. The self-serve produce bars are made possible through a partnership with Dole Food Company (Dole) and will feature a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables to boost new choices for students at breakfast and lunch. 

“H-E-B is committed to the well-being of Texans and we have a responsibility to take leadership in improving the health of our communities,” said Hugh Topper, group VP of fresh for H-E-B and a trustee of United Fresh Start Foundation. “In particular, investing in our children has the power to change the way future generations see the importance of health and wellness in their lives.”

Representatives with H-E-B and Dole were joined by leadership from United Fresh Produce Association, Chartwells, Seguin ISD and local and state officials to present Rodriguez Elementary School in Seguin with a new salad bar at a celebration event.

“With one-third of the nation’s children either overweight or obese, we need to look at new ways to encourage healthier eating,” said Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of corporate communications. “It’s important to start the nutrition conversation, and offer tangible healthy alternatives, as early in childhood as possible. By offering permanent salad bars stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, we are hopefully establishing healthier eating habits that will last a lifetime.”

The salad bar donations from H-E-B and Dole were organized in conjunction with the United Fresh Start Foundation, a founding partner of the national Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative. To date, the initiative has facilitated the donation of salad bars to more than 4,100 schools nationwide, benefitting nearly 3 million children every school day. 

H-E-B operates more than 360 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B is celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2015.