Produce for Kids to Raise Funds for Charities

In support of its annual “Get Healthy, Give Hope” campaign, Produce for Kids has partnered with 13 supermarket grocery store chains across the country to help raise money for local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local children’s charities. The campaign officially kicks off on May 26, 2013, with the support of more than 30 fruit and vegetable growers representing every major category of fresh produce, and the 24-hour preschool television network Sprout.

Through August, participating fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers will make a consumption-based donation to local children’s charities. The more items from participating vendors that shoppers add to their grocery lists, the more the charities benefit.

Shoppers can visit the in-store Produce for Kids display to pick up a list of all participating companies, as well as healthy, easy-to-prepare recipes. In-store materials will point shoppers to www.produceforkids.com for additional information on the campaign, more than 90 easy Ideal Meals recipes and healthy tips.

“Since 2002, we have raised more than $4.2 million for children’s charities through our campaigns with the help of our retail partners and produce sponsors, and we are ready for another successful year,” said John Shuman, president of Produce for Kids.

Produce for Kids will promote the campaign through social media, and will host various sweepstakes and giveaways on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Produce for Kids will also engage mom bloggers in each participating retail partner’s markets to help spread the healthy eating message. Additionally, two Twitter parties will take place during the promotional period focused on seasonal healthy eating topics.

As part of the Produce for Kids and Sprout partnership, LazyTown, and other Sprout characters will interact with kids at Produce for Kids’ in-store appearances encouraging exercise and healthy eating. Sprout will promote the campaign through daily national television spots and web banners on www.SproutOnline.com.

Grocery retail partners participating in the Get Healthy, Give Hope campaign include: Ahold’s Giant and Martin’s Food Stores, Giant-Landover and Stop & Shop divisions; Associated Wholesale Grocers’ Major Savings, Advantage, Independent, Country Mart, Homeland and United divisions; Meijer Stores; Price Chopper and Publix Super Markets.