Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Meijer recently joined the national initiative, Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools, to promote healthy eating habits and increase access – and consumption – of fresh produce among children in school lunchrooms.
The partnership resulted in a donation of 20 salad bars to schools, which will benefit an estimated 10,000 Michigan students.
“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is excited to join forces with Meijer and local communities to support incorporating salad bars into school lunches to help increase students intake of fresh fruit and vegetables” said Lynda Rossi, executive vice president, Blue Cross. “This is a true community collaboration because people came to the table committed to increasing access to healthy choices. We’re pleased we can help deliver another piece of the puzzle toward helping kids be better prepared for a lifetime of healthy eating.”
Many of the schools receiving salad bars are part of Blue Cross’s Building Healthy Communities program, which provides a range of resources for schools across Michigan to help kids establish the knowledge and behaviors needed for healthy lifestyles and for schools to create healthy environments.
“Meijer is best known for the freshness it offers in the grocery aisles, and we are pleased to partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to improve children’s access to fresh produce with these salad bars,” said Meijer Health and Wellness Director Jacquelyn DeBruler. “Meijer is committed to helping the communities it serves become better places to live, work and play, and with these salad bars, we aim to really impact the lives of students by making healthy food options readily available at school.”
Please click here for a complete list of which schools received the donation.