Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama
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Former First Lady helps launch healthy choice food firm

PLEZi Nutrition is a Public Benefit Company aiming to create products that are both tasty and healthy.

Back in 2010, then First Lady Michelle Obama helped lead the Let’s Move campaign, a drive to reduce childhood obesity and encourage a healthier lifestyle in children.

The lawyer turned writer continued the campaign throughout her time in the White House, and she has now backed it up by helping launch PLEZi Nutrition, a firm that aims to create food and drinks for kids that are both tasty and healthy.

The first products in the new venture are a line of low-sugar, nutrient-rich drinks made from a fruit juice blend, with Mrs Obama insisting it is possible to “build a successful company and do right by our kids”.

“I’ve learned that on this issue, if you want to change the game, you can’t just work from the outside,” said Mrs Obama. “You’ve got to get inside. You’ve got to find ways to change the food and beverage industry itself.

“I believe there is a way to build a successful company and do right by our kids. I’m putting some skin in the game to put this theory to the test.”

PLEZi drinks have about 75% less sugar compared to top brands of fruit juice, with the flavour range including sour apple, blueberry and orange. The drinks will be sold at retailers including Target and online at Walmart.

While Mrs Obama will not be the face of PLEZi, she will work behind the scenes to help drive change in the food supply. PLEZi Nutrition is incorporated as a Public Benefit Company, with 10% of all profits ploughed back into initiatives that promote kids’ health.

Falstaff Editorial Team
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