YAKIMA, Wash .- FirstFruits Marketing, growers of the widely acclaimed Opal® apple, is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations to benefit from 2014-2015 Opal sales as part of the "Youth Make a Difference" Initiative, a campaign designed to provide financial support to causes led by youth ages 6 to 25.
For the third consecutive year, the incredible demand for Opal apple has allowed FirstFruits Marketing to allocate funds for youth-led initiatives that address issues in food security, nutrition, agriculture, food politics or food education. Non-profit organizations and school-based entities can apply for funding, totaling approximately $150,000, at opalapples.com from January 6 until February 28, 2015. In 2014, FirstFruits distributed $75,000 in Youth Make a Difference grants.
"Many children experience hunger, malnutrition or obesity, but very few understand where their food is sourced or how it is grown," said Suzanne Broetje, executive director, Vista Hermosa Foundation, Broetje Orchards. "With the Youth Make a Difference campaign, we hope to inspire the next generation to make a real difference in their communities on issues like hunger and healthy eating, the politics of food distribution, and the importance of community service."
FirstFruits will evaluate all 2015 Youth Make a Difference applicants against a set of criteria before posting finalists at opalapples.com. Beginning May 4, 2015 consumers are invited to visit the website and vote for their favorite initiatives. In July, FirstFruits plans to award funding to multiple youth-led charities based on consumer votes and consistency with criteria. Criteria, nomination guidelines 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, 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: FirstFruits Marketing
