T&A’s ‘Salad Smarts’ to Aid Healthy Eating in Schools

Grower Tanimura & Antle’s fall 2011 product promotion, “Salad Smarts” will back two healthy-eating school initiatives: “Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools” and Freggie Children’s Programs.

Over the course of the three-month campaign, Salinas, Calif.-based Tanimura & Antle will promote each cause through such communication efforts as new high-impact packaging, in-store graphic materials, print and online trade ads, and a promotional website featuring Tanimura & Antle Artisan Lettuce.

Complementing First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative to end childhood obesity in a generation, Let’s Move Salads Bars to Schools is a public health campaign to provide salad bars to schools across the country to boost kids’ consumption of fruits and vegetables at lunchtime.

According to Lorelei DiSogra, VP of nutrition and health at Washington-based United Fresh Produce Association, one of the founding partners of Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools, although 800 schools have received salad bars over the last year, there are more than 500 schools nationwide that have applied for salad bars but are still awaiting funding. “We appreciate Tanimura & Antle’s leadership in the produce department to engage the public in our efforts to support healthier school meals and providing essential cafeteria equipment, like salad bars, to schools,” said DiSogra

Developed by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), Freggie Children’s Programs focus on teaching kids about the importance of eating fruits and veggies.

“Our intention is to raise the visibility of Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools and Freggie Children’s Programs and educate our consumers on how they, too, can become involved in teaching our next generation how to make healthier food choices,” noted T&A CEO Rick Antle.

Monetary donations will be made to the United Fresh Foundation and Canadian Produce Marketing Association at the close of the promotion on Oct. 31.