Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow and California Representative Sam Farr joined students at Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary School Wednesday to highlight the school's participation in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

The event, which was coordinated with support from United staff, was held in Farr's home district and served to highlight United's support of a national policy promoting a salad bar in every school.

"Today's event was a great opportunity for Senator Stabenow and Congressman Farr to see how effective the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and school salad bars can be as strategies to improve children's access to and increase children's consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables," said United Fresh Vice President of Nutrition and Health Dr. Lorelei DiSogra. "The lawmakers were also able to get feedback on the programs from the children directly. Especially important was the commitment made today by both legislators to the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act. We look forward to working with them in this crucial effort."

On a three-day informational and listening tour, Stabenow and Farr were joined at the event by Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue and representatives of the California Department of Education and Alisal Unified School District, as well as DiSogra, United's Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther and Vice President of Membership Jeff Oberman.

United Fresh continues to promote expansion of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and the effectiveness of salad bars in schools at the Washington Public Policy Conference, September 9-11 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.