ORLANDO, Fla. – Last spring, Publix was able to support Feeding America’s local children’s programs through the Produce for Kids campaign by supplying 1.2 million meals to local families and children in need. On Sept. 24, Produce for Kids and Publix will launch a second 2015 in-store and digital campaign to educate local families on the benefits of healthy eating while raising funds for local Feeding America® member food banks.
Since 2002, Publix has raised more than $2.4 million through the Produce for Kids campaign for children’s organizations within the Publix footprint. Eleven participating fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers, representing every major category of fresh produce, support the Produce for Kids campaign, which will run through Oct. 28. Publix grocery shoppers are encouraged to support these brands by eating more nutritious fruits and vegetables.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Publix again this year to advocate the importance of healthy eating in the Publix market,” said John Shuman, president of Produce for Kids. “Through the Produce for Kids campaign, we can help families choose healthier food options in their local grocery store while supporting local Feeding America food banks to help end hunger.”
Shoppers should be on the lookout for Produce for Kids signage, featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar™, in the produce section of all Publix stores to find out more information on the campaign. The display will direct shoppers to www.produceforkids.com, featuring more than 150 RD-approved recipes, meal planning tools, campaign information and healthy tips from real parents.
“Our Produce for Kids partnership allows us to educate our customers about the importance of beginning healthy eating habits early,” said Maria Brous, media and community relations director for Publix. “The month-long campaign provides resources that introduce fresh fruits and vegetables to families and also allows us to give back to our local communities through a donation to Feeding America’s programs that support children.”
During the campaign time period, The Very Hungry Caterpillar will interact with kids at two Produce for Kids in-store appearances on Sept. 26 at the Publix located at 1125 Park West Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC and another in the Orlando, FL area. For more information, please visit www.produceforkids.com/Publix.
The following companies proudly support the Produce for Kids campaign and raise funds for local Feeding America food bank programs: Avocados from Mexico – Mexican Hass Avocados; Chiquita Fresh – Chiquita® Bananas; Coast Tropical – Mangos; Crunch Pak® Sliced Apples; Del Monte Foods® – Fruit Naturals® Cups; Chiquita Fresh – Fresh Express® Packaged Salads; Shuman Produce – RealSweet® Vidalia® Onions; J & D Produce, Inc. – Little Bear Brand Vidalia® Sweet Onions; Tasti-Lee Tomatoes; Ventura Foods – Marie’s® Dressings; Wonderful® Pistachios.
The campaign will raise funds for local Feeding America food bank programs, including: Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Bay Area Food Bank, Montgomery Area Food Bank, Inc., Food Bank of North Alabama, Feeding South Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Feeding America Tampa Bay, America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Inc., Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, All Faiths Food Bank, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Golden Harvest Food Bank, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Inc., Feeding the Valley Food Bank, Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, Second Harvest of South Georgia, Inc., Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Lowcountry Food Bank, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
Please visit www.produceforkids.com for more information.
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About Produce for Kids®
Produce for Kids® is a philanthropically based organization that brings the produce industry together to educate consumers about healthy eating with fresh produce and raise funds for local children’s non-profit organizations. Since its creation in 2002 by Shuman Produce Inc., Produce for Kids has raised more than $5 million to benefit kids. To learn more about Produce for Kids and healthy eating, visit www.produceforkids.com, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.
About Publix®
Publix is privately owned and operated by its 176,500 employees, with 2014 sales of $30.6 billion. Currently Publix has 1,103 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. The company has been named one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 18 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s website, corporate.publix.com
About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
About The World of Eric Carle
The World of Eric Carle™ is a design-driven licensing and merchandising program based on the beloved picture books by Eric Carle. A prolific author and artist, Eric Carle has written and illustrated more than seventy books which have sold over 128 million copies worldwide. Like his books, The World of Eric Carle brand draws upon Eric Carle’s approach to creativity, discovery, play and development. Licensing and merchandising programs are ongoing in the US, Japan, UK, Australia and Europe. For more information, please visit: www.Facebook.com/theworldofEricCarle.
Source: Produce for Kids®
