Idaho Potato Commission Kicks Off American Heart Month With Engaging And Educational Social Media Campaign

EAGLE, ID  — This February the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has an important message…Love Potatoes, Love Your Heart. Certified by the American Heart Association® as a heart-healthy food, Idaho® potatoes fuel your body with essential nutrients like potassium that play an important role in achieving a healthy lifestyle. During American Heart Month, the IPC will be reaching out to social media users with educational quizzes and shareable posts, a plethora of cash and potato prizes, and a Twitter party hosted by registered dietitian, Danielle Omar. 

“The nutritional profile of potatoes is very impressive, evidenced by the American Heart Association®’s Heart-Check Mark certification and the dozens of articles and studies published every year on the health benefits of potatoes,” explained Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “American Heart Month is the perfect time to remind consumers to include potatoes in their diet to help achieve a healthier lifestyle.”
 
Throughout the month of February, consumers will be able to learn more about the important vitamins and minerals found in Idaho® potatoes through a variety of interactive and engaging programs. 
 
Twitter Party with Danielle Omar, R.D.
On February 15th, from 8-9:00 PM ET, folks will be able to win cash prizes as they chat with Registered Dietitian Danielle Omar about the heart-health benefits of fresh Idaho® potatoes. “Potatoes are packed with nutrients, especially potassium, an essential mineral that supports heart health. And unfortunately 97% of Americans don’t get enough of it[1],” stated Omar. “It’s extremely important consumers better understand the nutrition profile of the foods they're eating so they can choose foods with nutrients that best fuels their bodies.”
 
Look for #HealthySpud to participate. Five $100 Visa gift cards will be awarded throughout the party.
 
Facebook Quizzes
During the weeks of February 6th and February 24th, the IPC will be testing consumers’ spud knowledge with two different Facebook quizzes. Everyone who takes the quiz is automatically entered into the sweepstakes and will be eligible to win $500 cash and a 15-lb box of fresh Idaho® potatoes.
 
Downloadable and Shareable PDF’s
To spread the word about the goodness of Idaho® potatoes, the IPC will be introducing new educational infographic social media posts that can be downloaded and shared.
 
Updated Nutrition Page on IdahoPotato.com
For anyone looking for more information on the heart-health benefits of Idaho® potatoes, including the important role potassium plays, www.idahopotato.com/heart-health has been updated with fresh facts, downloadable and shareable infographics, and recipes certified
heart-healthy by the American Heart Association®. 
 
Farm Star Living
This month, the IPC is partnering with Farm Star Living, the website that supports farmers, fresh food and healthy living. Folks who visit Farm Star Living will have the opportunity to win a $500 shopping spree and a three-month supply of fresh Idaho® potatoes.

[1] Blood Pressure Down: The 10-Step Plan to Lower Your Blood Pressure in 4 Weeks- Without Prescription Drugs. Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D., LDN

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About the Idaho Potato Commission 

Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho™” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation, and rich volcanic soil give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, which differentiates Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.

Source: Idaho Potato Commission