U.S. Representative Sam Farr (D-CA) will underscore the importance of child nutrition and increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables in schools during the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference next week.

          "Congressman Farr’s dedication to improving the health of kids by providing them with a healthier option in the school cafeteria is something that we echo, admire and applaud," said United Fresh Vice President of Nutrition Dr. Lorelei DiSogra. "Increasing kids’ intake of fruit and vegetables at school is such an important effort, and it can lead to the development of better eating habits at home, too. We are proud to welcome Congressman Farr as we push for healthier kids at this year’s conference."

Rep. Farr will speak before Thursday’s luncheon general session and joins a distinguished list of speakers, including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg and political pundit and strategist Paul Begala.

          As part of its campaign for better child nutrition, United Fresh will also showcase a salad bar at the three-day conference. Displayed before lawmakers and congressional staff in the Cannon House Office Building during Wednesday’s Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill, the salad bar will be the focal point of the annual Fresh Festival, which offers lawmakers and their staff a chance to see the best offerings from the produce industry. Following the event, the salad bar will be donated to a Washington-area elementary school.

          For more information, or to register for the Washington Public Policy Conference, please contact Angela Bezon at 202-303-3400 ext. 416.