United Fresh

Members of the US-based fresh produce trade group United Fresh Produce Association are set to meet in September at the 2009 Washington Public Policy Conference to highlight policy initiatives on labour, food safety and, in particular, school nutrition.

At the top of the agenda will be the Association's drive to introduce a national policy promoting the introduction of a salad bar in every school cafeteria across the country.

The group is pushing for the introduction of salad bars because of the variety of produce that they offer, and is currently working with the US House and Senate to formulate legislation on the matter, according to the Association.

'Research has proven, time and time again, that when presented with the option of a salad bar, kids will eat more fruit and vegetables,' said Lorelei DiSogra, vice-president for Nutrition and Health at United Fresh.

'Kids need to double their fruit and vegetable intake to meet the dietary guidelines,' DiSogra added. 'Children crave independence in their decision-making, so providing salad bars at schools empowers them to make fun and nutritious choices that result in kids eating more fruit and vegetables.'

The drive to push salad bars in schools is the latest in a line of schemes that United has focused on, following successful victories on the nationwide expansion of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Programme and the inclusion of fresh produce in the Supplemental Nutrition Programme for Women, Infants and Children.

'We are gratified by the progress we've made in advancing fresh produce in our nation's nutrition policies,' said United Fresh president Tom Stenzel. 'Promoting a salad bar in every school is an attainable goal and a logical next step for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among children.'