Photo by Blendtopia Smoothies on Unsplash

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The focus on what today’s youth consumes continues to be a priority for parents and schools. According to standards established by the USDAs National School Lunch Program every school-age child should have at least one cup of fruit at breakfast.  Despite the wishes of parents and school administrators, sometimes the kids targeted by this move to healthy eating are tossing fruits and vegetables in the trash. 

As proof of students’ fickle eating habits, a study published by Childhood Obesity magazine, found the percentage of students choosing fruit in the cafeteria rose from 54% to 66% since new nutrition guidelines began, however, another study found that children were throwing out the required foods at a rate 56% higher than before the rules were instituted.

This phenomenon is reportedly driving many schools to look for alternative offerings that maintain the prescribed nutrients and vitamins in the form of smoothies and shakes. 

Smoothie Sales Growth Is Heating Up

Global market research company Technavio reports that the smoothie market has the potential to grow by $7.03 billion between 2021 and 2025, with market growth accelerating at a compound annual growth rate of 6.37%. 

Companies Like Barfresh Are Targeting Schools And Increased Distribution

Barfresh’s K-12 Virginia portfolio represents an addition of 314 schools spread over 29 districts with a collective enrollment of 242,000 students. Caddo Parish Public Schools is the first time Barfresh has served a school district in Louisiana and will reach 74 school locations serving 45,000 students.

Schools have been seeking contracts with companies like Barfresh, which offers its USDA Smart Snack-compliant Twist & Go and WHIRLZ products. The company’s healthy choices also meet schools’ “Buy American” requirement and offer kids smoothies and shakes that are gluten-free and use real fruit with no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.  

One of the challenges for companies like Barfresh has been to develop new and effective distribution channels to get its products out to as many locations as possible. In combating that challenge, the company recently entered into a distribution arrangement with G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Inc., the nation’s largest independently owned and operated Pepsi franchise bottler.  

Learn more about Barfresh Food Group at www.barfresh.com. 

This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice.