What started out as a charitable donation has grown into an all-out “crusade for consumption”. Over the last year, DMA has made a transformation. We first donated to Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools (LMSBTS) at United Fresh 2011 as part of an effort to support local schools in New Orleans in conjunction with our convention. While DMA does not necessarily “do business” in NOLA, nor do we live there, we wanted to be part of supporting the community and United’s efforts.

After attending the press event and meeting with the city’s school officials and, most importantly, the kids who had received a salad bar in their school, it hit us! This is far more than a charitable cause or gesture to support United. Salad bars in schools is an actionable and affordable way for our industry to confront head-on a hurdle we have been facing for years – the need to increase consumption. A salad bar not only provides children with access to our products, but it also serves as inspiration to life long, future FRESH eaters.

Over the last year, we have been honored to participate in a campaign mirroring our industry’s collective work in NOLA by committing to 100 salad bar donations in Texas. As I type this, we are at 90 with 5 days left until the press event at United Fresh Dallas announcing the results of our campaign. This particular year, our efforts have far surpassed an annual gift or one-time donation. LMSBTS has become a conduit for increased consumption and an investment for the future of our industry.

Please join us at the press event in Dallas and be a part of the single largest donation since the inception of LMSBTS. Be inspired, as we were, and return to your communities ready to make a difference there, as well. Join our crusade for consumption! See you in Dallas!