Apr 7, 2015
Sakata Cyclist Donates Funds for New Salad Bar

Ron Cramer, a Tour de Fresh cyclist who was sponsored by Sakata Seed America, raised more than $4,233 to support the Let's Bring Salad Bars 2 School initiative.

Ron Cramer, a Tour de Fresh cyclist who was sponsored by Sakata Seed America, raised more than $4,233 to support the Let’s Bring Salad Bars 2 School initiative.

Cramer opted to raise money for Rosemead School District because of its proximity to Fallbrook, California, his hometown.

In October 2014, Cramer partook on a four-day, 275-mile cycling trip from Carmel to Anaheim. With the funds that he raised, Emma W. Shuey Elementary School of the Rosemead School district was able to build a salad bar for its students and faculty.

“It is so important that we show school children and adults that enjoying more fresh fruits and vegetables is not a sacrifice we make to be more healthy, but that with good access to a broad selection coupled with creative preparation, they are as delicious than less healthy choices,” says Cramer, whose personal favorites include asparagus, carrots and raspberries.

The goal of Tour de Fresh was to raise $120,000 to privately finance 40 new salad bars in school districts across the country. The cyclists raised more than $123,303 for United Fresh Start Foundation’s Let’s Move Salad Bars 2 Schools campaign.

Companies in the produce industry sponsored 41 racers who donated more than 40 salad bars to schools in 11 different states, including: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Sakata, which strives to have a positive, healthy, sustainable impact on people, communities and food, has a Charitable Giving program, which the company’s Tour de Fresh sponsorship can be attributed to.

“Corporate giving is one important way that Sakata works to enrich the communities where we conduct business, says Dave Armstrong, president and CEO of Sakata Seed America. “Our goals are to assist those who are working to better their communities and to educate individuals on the benefits of a healthy life-style, to which our products contribute.”

For more information, visit www.tourdefresh.com.