Produce For Kids Announces New 2016 Avenues To Reach Consumers
March 7, 2016 | 3 min to read
ORLANDO, FL – New initiatives including the Healthy Family Classics produce-centric cookbook, “We Heart RDs” retail dietitian kits, Fresh Pick of the Week produce education series and Ask the Expert live Facebook Q&A were all unveiled at last night’s Produce for Kids reception at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure.
“Over the past 12 years, through both our in-store and digital initiatives, we have been sure to evolve along with our consumer audience so that we are consistently providing them with resources they need,” said Trish James, Produce for Kids vice president. “Consumers are no longer looking for just a recipe, but tips on meal planning, purchasing in-season produce and guidance from retail dietitians.”
The Healthy Family Classics: 50 Registered Dietitian – Approved Recipes from Our Kitchen to Yours cookbook was conceived as a one-stop shop for families with produce-packed, RD-approved breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner and dessert recipes, along with ideas to get kids in the kitchen, a calendar of what’s in season, and tips on prepping and storing produce. Recipes were created by the Produce for Kids team of moms, food bloggers and registered dietitians, and have been tested with their own families.
Several food bloggers are featured in the book and will join forces with Produce for Kids in digitally promoting the book for the launch and throughout the year. Healthy Family Classics is currently for sale on Amazon.com and 100 percent of the proceeds go to help end child hunger in the US through children’s programs at Feeding America®, adding to the already $5.7 million raised for children’s charities since 2002.
Alongside the cookbook, Produce for Kids launched the “We Heart RDs” program on March 1, designed to provide retail dietitians the support materials they need to guide shoppers to make healthier decisions in store.
Components of the “We Heart RDs” kit include a counter card identifying in-season produce, seasonal recipes, healthy eater stickers for kids and more. The components will switch out with each mailing based on seasonality. Retail dietitians can sign up for the free kit at www.produceforkids.com/rds where there are additional downloadable materials.
“We know that shoppers look for guidance from retail dietitians when faced with a food allergy, medical diagnosis such as diabetes or celiac disease and general healthy lifestyles recommendations,“ said James. “We wanted to support this growing resource for shoppers with all they need to help fill their plate with fruits and vegetables.”
In the digital space, Produce for Kids will be featuring a Fresh Pick of the Week each week in 2016. Focusing in on one item will allow a full week to educate consumers with selection, prep and storage tips, nutrition benefits and recipes. The new Ask the Expert Facebook event, where anyone on Facebook can ask questions live, will happen bi-monthly on the Produce for Kids Facebook page and feature a different topic and expert each time.
Finally, Produce for Kids shared plans for expanding the current in-store flagship programs with a pilot digital coupon campaign and expanding the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge™ to occur at both the back-to-school timeframe and when kids are returning to school in January after their holiday break.
For more information visit www.produceforkids.com. Media can visit the Produce for Kids Media Center for high resolution images.
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About Produce for Kids®
Produce for Kids® is a cause marketing company that helps families eat healthier, raises funds for children's charities and increases sales of partners' products. Since its creation in 2002 by Shuman Produce Inc., Produce for Kids has raised more than $5.7 million to benefit kids. To learn more about Produce for Kids and healthy eating, visit www.produceforkids.com,Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.
Source: Produce for Kids®