SEGUIN, TX - Lunchtime is about to get a whole lot healthier—thanks to a special collaboration between retailer H-E-B and Dole Foods Company. All seven elementary schools in Seguin Independent School District (ISD) will now feature salad bars, giving a fresh and fun new way to eat fruits and vegetables, due to a generous donation from these two collaborators.
“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 Vice President of Fresh for H-E-B. “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.”
In the Seguin ISD, 69 percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch, a press release explains. The new, self-serve produce bars will feature a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables to boost new choices for students at breakfast and lunch.
“With one-third of the nation’s children either overweight or obese, we need to look at new ways to encourage healthier eating,” said Bill 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.”
Representatives with H-E-B and Dole were joined by leadership from United Fresh Produce Association, Chartwells, Seguin ISD, and local and state officials today to present Rodriguez Elementary School in Seguin with a new salad bar at a celebration event.
“We are all very excited about this new salad bar, which will reinforce nutrition education messages while providing students the ability to select from a variety of fruit and vegetable options each day,” said Stetson Roane, Seguin ISD Superintendent.
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’s Topper serves on the Board of Trustees of the United Fresh Start Foundation.
“We are pleased to partner with H-E-B and Dole to provide salad bars to schools in this area of the country, ensuring students here will have access to more fresh produce, and healthier options at lunch,” said Tom Stenzel, President and CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association.
With salad bars empowering students to make healthy choices, kids are about to get much more excited to eat their fruits and veggies at school and beyond.
