A 2006 study by the California Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and UCCE in Butte County inspired Hidden Valley Salad Dressings to launch the "Love Your Veggies(TM) Nationwide School Lunch Campaign," according to a news release posted today on PR Newswire.

The UCCE study found that children consumed 23 percent more vegetables when paired with a moderate amount of ranch dressing. A second study, conducted at Iowa State University, found that certain vitamins and cancer-fighting compounds found in fruits and vegetables are fat-soluble.

"This study suggests that a moderate amount of fat may help the body adequately absorb nutrients," according to the release.

The Love Your Veggies Campaign this year awarded 51 elementary schools each with a $10,000 nutrition grant. Two of the recipient schools are in California: Horace Mann Elementary School in Oakland and Starr King Elementary School in San Francisco. The funding can be spent on fresh produce, vegetable stations, kitchen equipment, program staffing, nutrition education supplies and training, the news release said.