Atkins widow donates to 'candy strikers'

updated 12:13 p.m. ET Feb. 7, 2006

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The widow of the man who ignited the low-carb craze is donating $16,000 so some Florida school children can take a trip without having to sell candy.

The Fort Lauderdale students refused to take part in a school fund-raiser, saying that selling chocolate bars and potato chips goes against what they were taught about healthy eating.

Veronica Atkins tells the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that she’s proud of the children and wants to make sure they are able to go on their trip to Washington D-C.

The principal at North Side Elementary says the donation allows 36 fifth-graders to make the trip. She says the school also has received an anonymous donation of six-thousand dollars.

The late Robert Atkins advocated eating foods rich in protein and limiting intake of carbohydrates.

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