Voting Opens For Opal Apple's 'Youth Make A Difference' Initiative

YAKIMA, Wash. – Public voting is now open for Opal® Apple’s Youth Make a Difference Initiative, a campaign designed to provide financial support to causes led by youth ages 6 to 25. Voters are being asked to help select charities to receive up to a combined $150,000 in funds at www.opalapples.com.

For the third consecutive year, Opal Apple’s Youth Make a Difference Initiative is giving funds to youth-led projects that address issues in food security, nutrition, agriculture, food politics or food education. Numerous applications were received from non-profit and school-based organizations and narrowed down to 24 charities for public voting. Voters are encouraged to vote one time between April 15, 2015 and May 15, 2015. Learn more about these inspiring charities and vote for your favorite at www.opalaples.com.

"We discovered so many worthy projects while reviewing the Youth Make a Difference Initiative applications and are so proud of where we are after three years,” said Keith Mathews, CEO of FruitsFruits of Washington. “While the voting process is a way for us to select charities, it also raises awareness for food security and inspires others to get involved and make a difference in their own communities."

Opal apple is known as the apple with a purpose: a portion of sales from each case of Opal apples sold is put toward the Youth Make a Difference Initiative. This season, up to $150,000 will be distributed through the initiative, doubling last season’s amount. Funds will be distributed in July to the winning charities based on consumer votes and consistency with criteria. Nomination guidelines, criteria and funding details are available online.

About FirstFruits Marketing of Washington

FirstFruits Marketing is a collaborative apple marketing company owned by growers. These growers share a commitment to producing high-quality fruit while balancing the demands of purpose, people, planet and profit so that a portion of profits can be donated to non-profit missions supporting the underserved. For more Information, visit www.firstfruits.com.

About Opal Apple

Opal apple is known as the apple with a purpose. Grown only in Washington by Broetje Orchards, this Golden Delicious-Topaz cross apple variety was introduced by FirstFruits Marketing in 2010 to wide consumer and media acclaim. Its distinctive color, flavor and texture are not the only qualities that make this product unique: Opal apple was created to make a difference in communities across the nation. Every year, FirstFruits Marketing donates a percentage of sales of every case of apples to worthy organizations that address issues like hunger, food safety, sustainability and the environment. UEB 32642 variety apples are grown exclusively by Broetje Orchards and distributed under the OPAL® brand name by First Fruits Marketing in North America.

Source: Opal Apple