F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 POTATO GROWER 21 School Districts Receive Free Salad Bars Through Potatoes USA’s “21 Weeks of Giving” Campaign Beginning Janaury 25th, Potatoes USA is giving schools across the country the opportunity to serve more fresh fruits and vegetables by donating salad bars to one school district every week as part of its “21 Weeks of Giving” campaign. Representatives announced the news during the School Nutrition Association’s School Nutrition Industry Conference, an annual gathering of passionate school food- service operators and industry part- ners, taking place this year in New Orleans, Louisiana. “This program is all about making vegetables and fruits more accessi- ble to students,” said Rachael Lynch, Global Marketing Manager for Potatoes USA. “School districts who have asked to receive a donat- ed salad bar have done so because they understand the value it brings to their lunch rooms. “Potatoes USA is working collabora- tively with the United Fresh Start Foundation to bring salad bars to schools across the country,” said Andrew Marshall from the director of the Let’s Move Salad Bars to School campaign. While there is growing awareness of the health and educational benefits that salad bars provide to kids, many school districts are unable to afford the basic equipment needed to adopt this strategy. With 280+ salad bar donations to-date, the potato indus- try is the #1 commodity donor of the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools campaign through the United Fresh Start Foundation. Salad bars are versatile tools for school nutrition professionals and can be used to serve more than just salads. “I’ve seen operators use salad bars as creative topping bars for fresh baked potatoes, yogurt and so much more,” says Lynch. Potatoes make an excellent addition to any salad bar as they’re available year-round and contribute to the recommended daily value of key nutrients like potassium, fiber, pro- tein and Vitamin C. Research shows when potatoes are present at mealtime, kids eat more of other vegetables. Evangeline Parish School District of Louisiana was announced as the first district to be awarded a salad bar through the 21 Weeks of Giving campaign. Future salad bar recipi- ents will be announced on Potatoes USA’s official school foodservice- focused Facebook page: facebook. com/PotatoesRaiseTheBar. www.lockwoodmfgcom 4 Row Harvester 4 Row Windrower 6 Row Windrower NORTHVALLEY EQUIPMENT 800.833.0705 • 1809 Hwy.81 S., Grafton,ND