Michelle Obama has announced that she co-founded PLEZi Nutrition, which produces and sells nutritious food and beverages specifically for children.
CNN reported that this venture is an extension of her efforts to improve child nutrition during her time as First Lady.
“I’ve learned that on this issue, if you want to change the game, you can’t just work from the outside,” she said during a keynote address in New York. “You’ve got to get inside. You’ve got to find ways to change the food and beverage industry itself.”
She continued, “So today, I’m proud to announce the national launch of a company designed not just to provide better products, but to jump-start what I hope will be a race to the top that will transform the entire food industry.”
Although she is the company’s co-founder and strategic partner, Obama will not be serving as its spokesperson or public figure. Instead, she will work on philanthropic and educational initiatives behind the scenes. It is unclear whether she has made a financial contribution to the company or will receive any compensation.
PLEZi Nutrition will donate $1 million to support FoodCorps, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing nutrition education and free school meals to all 50 million students in the United States by 2030. Additionally, 10% of the company’s earnings will be directed toward promoting better child nutrition.
