What does an addiction to Chamois Butt’r and an inability to walk like a normal person mean? It can only mean that the Tour de Fresh is less than two months away! And this year, it’s bigger and better than ever. This first-of-its-kind, collaborative event unites the most significant brands and influencers in the fresh produce industry for a four-day cycling event that raises funds to benefit the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools campaign and we couldn’t be more excited to get the ball bike rolling!
Due to the huge success of last year’s Tour (Raising over $142,000 and placing over 40 salad bars in schools throughout the country!) we were inspired to really push ourselves this year. Not only did we move the Tour across the country for a beautiful ride from Hickory, North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia, but we are also aiming to raise $275,000. That’s almost DOUBLE what we raised last year! With this new goal to privately finance 100+ salad bars in school districts across the country, it’s likely that your own community will be impacted by the tour.
On top of increasing our fundraising goal, we have over 50 riders ready to support the cause (for more than 300+ miles) and with returning riders Ed and Robyn Purves riding tandem, we’re sure to be cycling in style. Ed describes last year’s Tour, saying, “We met so many people with not only a passion for biking, but truly a passion for agriculture and showing their commitment to placing salad bars in schools.” Combining this industry’s passion with the opportunity to provide healthy eating opportunities for kids in schools is what makes the Tour de Fresh so special. Not to mention, much needed. According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled since 1980, with approximately 17% (12.7 million) of children ages 2-19 years being obese. Yikes. With the products that our industry grows and the efforts, like the salad bar campaign, we can truly make a difference and drastically change these numbers for the better.
Needless to say, the Tour de Fresh is supporting an amazing cause that could easily alter the lives of our youth. If you’re interested in riding on behalf of your company or to raise money on your own, you have one week left to register!
For the next two months, each rider will be trying to reach their goal of $5,000 and would appreciate any donations, whether they benefit the general fund or a specific rider. Click here to learn more about the riders and to donate. We are looking forward to another amazing outcome!
