You might have spotted their funky t-shirts, caps and stickers among the crowds at Neon Desert Music Festival. They were the products of Children of the Fries, a clothing line founded by Giovanni Silva, who lived and started his fashion career in New York City.

Its unique name and style has gained a lot of attention from the public, but the message behind the brand is bringing health awareness throughout the community of El Paso.

“I always knew, whatever I wanted to do, I wanted to give back to the community,” Silva said.

El Paso has one of the highest child obesity rates in the country, which has doubled within the last decade. According to the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, close to 18 percent of El Paso residents with a college education are obese, and the rate of obesity increases to 37.7 percent for those with less than a high school education and lower economic rate.

The Children of the Fries wants to let young children and adults know the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Although it is a challenge to portray the message, the owner said it is a way to set their minds free and experience different ways to reach out to the public.

“Realistically, what kid in America hasn’t had fries? We’re just trying to start a conversation, get people to think about how they are eating and why they are eating that way,” Silva said. 

With less than a year since its inception, Children of The Fries has increased in popularity little by little through social media and local festivals. They had their first sell out at the Neon Desert Music Festival.

 “I even had a 70-year-old woman buy a shirt from us,” Silva said. “We definitely don’t want to be a typical brand that is selling shirts just to sell. We have a message.”

Some UTEP students are looking forward to this movement.

“I think it’s a wonderful way to motivate the community, since we don’t have anything like this going on in the city. I think it would be great for them to keep expanding,” said Kimberly Cossio, junior multimedia
journalism major.

The designs for the clothing line are based on ideas from students in El Paso and are fabricated in the city. Rudy Rincones, local artist, created one of the most popular designs for the Neon Desert Music Festival. 

The Children of the Fries is interested in planning a local competition for next year, that will target all students who have a passion for designing clothes. Contestants will have the opportunity to design their own shirt and submit it via email. Winners will receive tickets to special events and festivals such as Neon Desert.

Silva said this is a working project for the future.

Edmundo Silva, senior mathematics major and Silva’s brother, is also part of the business. He is in charge of the accounting and business, handling sales, income and inventory.

“I like that me and my brother have started a business that has the possibility of getting big here locally in El Paso, and I also like that my brother trusts me to handle all the accounting affairs of the business,” Edmundo Silva said. “To be honest, I love doing work for my brother.”

The Children of The Fries donates a percentage of their proceeds to the National Obesity Foundation. They can be reached through social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using keyword, Children of the Fries..

Some of their products are found at Barrio Skate Shop, located at 110 S. Oregon St.

Kimberly Valle may be reached at [email protected].