FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- For the sixth straight year, the Fort Jackson community will get a taste of the Army -- literally -- at the Fort Jackson Food Expo. About 40 vendors are scheduled to offer free samples of their food at the expo, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday at the NCO Club.
"The vendors that are (coming to the expo) are going to be providing some items that have been vetted by nutrition (experts) throughout the Army and also on post," said John Nelums, with the Installation Food Service Office. "They're going to be giving out samples of food Soldiers eat on a day-to-day basis."
This year's theme, "Victory Thru Nutrition," is in keeping with the Army's focus on providing nutritious meals. Nelums said that within the last few years, the Army has stepped up its efforts to provide healthful choices in dining facilities and educate Soldiers on nutritious food selection.
In addition to providing samples of foods currently served, the expo also serves as an event to introduce new food selections, Nelums said. He explained that some of the new foods include breakfast cereals with less sugar and improved flavored drinks.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Trevor Farrow, also with the Installation Food Service Office, said the expo is also a good way for food service specialists to stay current on trends and to network with industry representatives.
"I love food service, that's near and dear to me," Farrow said. "(I'm looking forward) to seeing what (the vendors) have to offer and to see what's going to go on the market."
In addition to receiving free food samples, expo visitors will also have a chance to win one of the door prizes. This year's grand prize is a high-definition television.
Visitors will also have a chance to meet University of South Carolina women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley. Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and 2012 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, will sign autographs from 11 a.m. to noon.
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