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Blind Vendors Host Taste Of FitPick Event In Baton Rouge For State Employees

BATON ROUGE, LA -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association's FitPick better-for-you vending program was in the spotlight at event on Apr. 6 hosted by blind vendors at the Louisiana Division of Administration Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge. More than 200 state employees sampled a variety of better-for-you snacks and beverages, all compliant with NAMA's FitPick nutrition program at the "Taste of FitPick" event. Operator Shelly LeJeune manages convenience services in the Claiborne Buildin...

April 15, 2018

BATON ROUGE, LA -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association's FitPick better-for-you vending program was in the spotlight at event on Apr. 6 hosted by blind vendors at the Louisiana Division of Administration Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge.  

More than 200 state employees sampled a variety of better-for-you snacks and beverages, all compliant with NAMA's FitPick nutrition program at the "Taste of FitPick" event.

Operator Shelly LeJeune manages convenience services in the Claiborne Building and, working in partnership with Louisiana's Randolph-Sheppard program manager and NAMA, is increasing the number of FitPick-compliant products available in the building.  

Vistar, Coca-Cola Co.  General Mills, Kellogg's, Mondelez and Kar's Nuts donated product for the event.   

"This 'Taste of FitPick' event was a great opportunity for the industry to showcase its commitment to FitPick and provide better-for-you snacks to state employees in Baton Rouge," said president of National Association of Blind Merchants and NAMA board member Nicholas Gacos. "Following the industry's efforts in Illinois, Connecticut and Baton Rouge, we are increasing awareness of our work and moving forward will continue to spread this important message to consumers in public spaces and beyond."

Launched in 2005, FitPick provides simple nutrition information at the point of purchase. NAMA's Nutrition Advisory Council, comprised of national recognized nutrition experts from industry, as well as leading universities and nutrition organizations oversees the strategic direction for the program, including FitPick guidelines.  

TASTE OF FIT PICK: From left, NABM president Nicky Gacos; convenience service provider Shelly Lejeune; Edward Birmingham, AKE Inc. Business Enterprise Program for the Blind of Illinois; and Steven DeBruhl, Louisiana Workforce Commission, Randolph-Sheppard program manager host "Taste of FitPick" event at Louisiana Division of Administration Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge.