Tour de Fresh raises more than $165,000

The fourth annual Tour de Fresh brought in more than $165,000, enough to donate at least 52 salad bars to schools.

More than 20 school districts will receive salad bars this year, according to a news release. The initial fundraising goal of $150,000 was met before the three-day cycling event even began, a first for the fundraiser.

“I am blown away by the unwavering support shown by every rider, industry member, friends and family involved in this year’s event,” Cindy Jewell, vice president of marketing for California Giant Berry Farms, said in a news release. “I hope to replicate the unity and success of this year for rides to come.”

Tour de Fresh has raised more than $600,000 since its inception, funding more than 200 salad bars. The United Fresh Start Foundation has contributed to the effort.

“Never did I doubt that our industry would come together to support this outstanding cause, but I am pleasantly surprised at the leadership this group has shown,” Tom Stenzel, CEO and president of the United Fresh Produce Association, said in the release. “The ownership in stepping up to continue the work that the Let’s Move! initiative started has been an amazing movement to be a part of.”