Tour de Fresh, the first collaborative event tobring together leading fresh produce brands, industry influencers and their bicycles,is gearing up’ their fundraising efforts in support of theLet’s Move Salad Bars to Schools(LMSBTS) campaign.
“Our goal is to raise $120,000 which would allow us to purchase 40 new salad bars in school districts across the U.S. for the upcoming school year,” saidBrock Nemecek, event organizer and rider.”At less than $3,000 per salad bar, we believe that healthy eating opportunities should be available to all of our school kids, and will directly confront the childhood obesity epidemic.”
According to theCenter for Disease Control and Preventionthere 38+ millionchildren in U.S. schools, of which 17 percent (or 12.5 million) are obese. Childhood obesity among our youth has nearly tripled since 1980.
Obese children have a greater risk of developing social and psychological problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are two risk factors for cardiovascular disease. They also are at jeopardy for developing type 2 diabetes and breathing problems like sleep apnea and asthma.
TheTour de Fresh, starting in Monterey, California onOctober 13, and ending four days and 275 miles later in Anaheim, aims tobring awareness to the LMSBTS program originally founded byFood Family Farming Foundation,National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance,United Fresh Produce Association FoundationandWhole Foods Marketin support of First Lady Michelle Obama’sLet’s Move!Initiative.
With two months to go, the riders have pledged tocrank their pedals’ to provide children daily access to fresh produce while at school. How can you help? You can give these riders a boost towards achieving their fundraising goals by pledging your support HERE.
Posted By: Alexis Perry
8/14/14
