ORLANDO, FL – Produce for Kids celebrated with partners last evening at the annual Produce for Kids reception at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure with a crowd of more than 200 and a “Lettuce Squash Hunger” theme.
“We truly have something to celebrate tonight. We have raised $6.4 million for families in need since 2002 and $309k in 2017 alone,” said John Shuman, founder of Produce for Kids and president at Shuman Produce. “It’s phenomenal to see how far we’ve come and how many families we have reached not only through nutrition education, but through those who have sought help from the Feeding America 200 food banks and 60,000 pantries we serve across the U.S.”
Recently released Associated Wholesale Grocer Springfield Division in-store point of sale materials were displayed during the reception as guests were invited to get on kid level and snap a photo with the “Turnip the Beet” standee. Additional signage featuring tips from the Produce for Kids registered dietitian, also in attendance, was showcased as well.
“As we move forward in 2018, it is our goal to connect more with our customers, encourage them to share their struggles with us, and most importantly celebrate their wins,” said Trish James, vice president Produce for Kids. “We will strategically approach all of our in-store and digital campaigns with this in mind.”
Clarissa Rains of Feeding Tampa Bay addressed the audience in regards to the state of childhood hunger in the Tampa Bay area and the benefit of the proceeds from the Produce for Kids Publix campaigns including the backpack campaigns, salad bars and efforts to introduce more produce to the families facing hunger.
Produce for Kids awarded partner organizations for their contributions through the year including awards for Acosta Marketing for Most Charitable, Avocados from Mexico for Campaign Champion, Bee Sweet Citrus for Lunchbox Inspiration, Melissa’s Specialty Produce for Social Media Rockstar, Price Chopper for Retailer in the Community and the Watermelon Board for Retail Dietitian Advocate.
In 2018 Produce for Kids retail partners include AWG Springfield Division, AWG Oklahoma Division, AWG Gulf Coast Division, Meijer Stores, Military Produce Group, Price Chopper and Publix Super Markets. In addition, the 5th annual Power Your Lunchbox Promise program will launch in August 2018 to kick-off the school year.
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About Produce for Kids®
Produce for Kids® believes in creating a healthier generation. As a cause marketing organization, Produce for Kids creates programs that provide easy, fun, and inspiring recipes. Since its creation in 2002 by Shuman Produce Inc., Produce for Kids has raised more than $6.4 million to benefit children and families. To learn more about Produce for Kids and healthy eating, visit www.produceforkids.com, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.
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.
Source: Produce for Kids®
