Celebrities, including First Lady Michelle Obama, visit ODU to Celebrate Fruits and Veggies
November 19, 2015
First Lady Michelle Obama will visit the campus of Old Dominion University, on Friday, Nov. 20 for FNV Live, hosted by FNV, a brand launched earlier this year by a collaboration of companies, celebrities, athletes and foundations to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.
The event, which features live performances, celebrity appearances and physical stunts from some of the nation's most popular social media stars, is being held at 3 p.m. in Old Dominion's Ted Constant Convocation Center. The First Lady will participate in the program along with stars including Grammy-winning singer Estelle; DJ MICK; Grammy-winning singer Ashanti; singer and actress Jordin Sparks, lacrosse superstar Paul Rabil, actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba and more.
Launched earlier this year, FNV is currently concentrating on two lead markets - Fresno, Calif., and Hampton Roads - where FNV marketing has been prevalent, from grocery stores to sports venues.
Earlier this year, the First Lady discussed FNV on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and this summer participated in a skit for Jimmy Kimmel Live as part of the FNV marketing campaign.
A small number of tickets were made available to Old Dominion students, and were quickly snapped up.
Attendees are urged to bring one fresh or canned fruit or vegetable to help stock local food banks with fruits and vegetables for Thanksgiving.
Doors open at 1 p.m. and will close at 3 p.m., when the event begins.
During the event, Old Dominion football player Christian Byrum will participate in a challenge known as the "Supermarket Sweep" with the First Lady, Jessica Alba and other celebrities.
ODU cheerleaders will also participate in the event, handing out prizes to the audience.
As First Lady, Michelle Obama has encouraged America's youth to fulfill their promise, though initiatives targeted at education and wellness, including promoting healthy eating.
In 2010, she launched Let's Move!, a program bringing together community leaders, educators, medical professionals, parents and others in a nationwide effort to address the challenge of childhood obesity.
In 2011, Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched Joining Forces, a nationwide initiative calling all Americans to support service members, veterans and their families through wellness, education and employment opportunities.
In 2014, the First Lady launched the Reach Higher Initiative, an effort to inspire young people across America to complete their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college or a four-year college or university.
This year, the First Lady and President Barack Obama launched Let Girls Learn, a U.S. government-wide initiative to help girls around the world go to school and stay in school.
For more information on the fruits and vegetables initiative, visit the FNV website.