NOGALES — When the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas wanted to give back to schools in a way that highlighted the positive aspects of the industry, it didn’t have to think too hard. It donated a salad bar.
The Nogales-based trade group has donated three salad bars in three years and wants to increase that number by two every year, said Lance Jungmeyer, president of the FPAA.
Each salad bar costs about $3,000.
“We as an industry have to support the schools because the schools support us,” he said. “They’re making the next generation of leaders, people that are going to grow up and run these companies someday and perpetuate a very good cycle of business here.”
The fresh produce industry represents about 25 percent of the wages in Santa Cruz County and 22 percent of the jobs, Jungmeyer said.
A recent event at Challenger Elementary School in Nogales celebrated the newest salad bar donation through a cooking demonstration by the Roving Chef Program, which had students preparing a healthy meal in the dining area.
“For so many kids, the free- and reduced-lunch program that now includes breakfast is sometimes the most important meal that they get in the day,” said state Rep. Chris Ackerley. “Having choices and options that make it more palatable and just food that you would want to eat is great.”
While not every student makes a stop at the salad bar on their way to the condiment table, having the option — presented in an attractive way — is key to the school’s nutrition efforts, said Wil Arias, principal at Challenger Elementary.
“Having the kids see fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, it increases the chance of them eating,” he said. “It’s a good visual as they walk by, before they hit the ketchup and the mustard, pick up a tomato or some lettuce.”
The salad bars are donated through the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools program created by the United Fresh Start Foundation, which supports first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” anti-childhood obesity initiative.
Through the program’s website, schools can apply for salad bars and receive donations.
Jungmeyer said he hopes to raise funds for the next salad bar at a walkathon in November, to be held as part of the association’s annual produce convention at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa.
