Eco Families Sample Organic, Healthy

Back-to-School Snacks at Renowned Solar Living Festival Marketwire, Aug 15, 2006 HOPLAND, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 08/15/2006 -- Thousands of families from California and beyond will converge under the Mendocino wine country sun this weekend (August 19-20) to learn about renewable energy and sustainable living at the 11th annual SolFest. Among the exhibitors will be Craig Gass, co-owner of Mountain Organic Foods, maker of Bear Fruit Bar. He booked early to get a coveted booth (#538) in the shade -- under one of four huge solar panels. SolFest is hosted by the Solar Living Institute, the nonprofit offshoot of the Real Goods store, which sold the very first solar panel in 1979 and helped pioneer the green products boom. Highlights include world-class music, organic wine and beer tasting, and non-stop workshops, speakers and exhibits. Topics include alternative fuels, recycled building materials, the future of food, and how to go "off the grid." Kids will find educational "green" toys, exhibits and onstage entertainment, and can ride the world's only solar powered carousel. Bear Fruit Bar, made from organic apples, will be one of the few snacks available for sampling. Anyone who provides their mailing and e-mail addresses will be entered to win a $70 bear-proof backpacking canister (photo at www.morfoods.com) and given a promotion code for 4 free bars per online order through September 29. Apples are high on a list of 12 fruits and vegetables most commonly contaminated by pesticides, according to the nonprofit, nonpartisan Environmental Working Group. "This is why organic apples, which are grown without pesticides, are recommended over conventionally grown apples, especially for kids," says Craig Gass. "Organic gives all the nutrition without the pesticides." Each Bear Fruit Bar contains more than one organic apple, including the antioxidant-rich peel and the fiber (unlike fruit leather), with no fat, added sugar, preservatives, wheat, dairy or nuts -- just dried fruit and fruit concentrate. The bars meet school districts' and FDA's strict criteria for "healthy" snacks. All 4 flavors are sold online at www.morfoods.com and at select stores in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. For more about SolFest and to buy tickets, visit www.solfest.org. Over 60 workshops are free with admission. For information on volunteering for the event (in exchange for free admission, a T-shirt and access to limited onsite camping), click on "volunteer" at the top of the event home page.