We could make the compelling case for salad bars all day – from increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables to empowering children to make healthy decisions at a young age, salad bars WORK. February marks the 4th anniversary of Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools and the momentum for the industry wide effort is stronger than ever before with the launch of United’s 3 year campaign to Let’s Move Salad Bars to MIDWEST Schools.
And while we never grow tired of discussing how impactful salad bars are on the children that are able to use them each day, there are also some very compelling reasons for why supporting salad bars is good for your business!
Salad Bars Influence the Eating Habits of Children Early in Life
Kids develop brand and taste preferences very early in life. By donating a salad bar, you will be able to get your products in front of children on a more consistent basis, increasing the chances that they will turn those healthy choices into habits later in life that translate to decisions in the produce aisle.
Salad Bars Drive Schools to Significantly Increase Their Fresh Produce Spend
In 2010, 53 Salad Bars were donated to schools throughout Cincinnati, OH. We learned directly from Food Service Director and salad bar champion Jessica Shelly that as a result, the district more than DOUBLED their fresh produce spend. I don’t think we have to spell out for you why that means more sales for your business!
Salad Bars are Working
A recent study from the Center for Nutrition shows that schools are reporting positive results when it comes to implementing the salad bars into daily meals. Nearly all donated salad bars continue to be in use (94%) and a majority of those are used daily (78%). Plus, schools are reporting that they are using salad bars to educate both children and their parents on increased wellness and increasing their intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Salad Bars Provide You with a Public Relations Opportunity
Donating to the Midwest Salad Bars Campaign as a part of your United Fresh marketing initiatives gives you the opportunity to gain PR exposure in Chicago this June. Donation through this initiative ensures that your salad bar will be placed in a school in IL, IN, MI, MN, OH and/or WI, and you will be a part of the press event at United Fresh recognizing the donor companies. This press event brings together not only local media, but also local food service directors and school children, staging the perfect photo opp for exposure in the Midwest AND a chance for you to tout the event to your local press back home. All it takes to get this sweet PR pump is ONE salad bar donation.
Salad Bars are Proven to Increase the Consumption of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Through donating a salad bar, your company will in turn be providing countless children with greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which will lead them to developing healthier habits as highlighted above. Increasing the access to our products is just one of the keys to increasing the overall consumption of fresh produce, which will turn the dial on the roles our companies and brands play in the daily lives of consumers.
Salad Bars are good for ALL of us as members of the fresh produce industry, but don’t just take our word for it. Hear from the children benefiting from salad bars right now how much your donation means to them:
To learn more about how to donate (it’s easy – we promise!) visit UnitedFresh.org
