ORLANDO, FL – Produce for Kids was recently recognized by both Feeding America for philanthropic efforts and by popular blog ranking site, Feedspot, for providing online blog content that is helping create a healthier generation. Through in-store and online programs over the last 15 years, Produce for Kids has donated more than $6 million to charities like Feeding America that benefit families and children who struggle with hunger. In addition, the Produce for Kids website provides healthy recipes, tips and more to help busy families live healthier lives.
Feeding America’s recognition as a Mission Partner is based on the substantial philanthropic investments Produce for Kids made in 2016 and 2017. Produce for Kids’ programs have provided more than 7 million meals* to families in need through Feeding America and expects to provide 5.5 million meals over the next two years.
In addition to the Feeding America recognition, Feedspot, a website that houses and ranks blogs and websites in multiple categories, recognized the Produce for Kids blog as a Top 100 Kids Food Blog. Produce for Kids is listed along with Mom to Mom Nutrition, the blog owned by Katie Serbinski, the official registered dietitian at Produce for Kids.
“Produce for Kids was founded on the idea of giving back. Being recognized as a Mission Partner by Feeding America is truly a big deal for us,” said Trish James, vice president, Produce for Kids. “We strive to continue to give back with every program we develop, but also remain in tune with our family audience by providing relevant online content to encourage the consumption of produce. Seeing the Produce for Kids name in the Top 100 Kids Food Blogs confirms our efforts are working.”
With the success of the all-digital Power Your Lunchbox program over the first three years, Produce for Kids added a second activation in 2017 to re-inspire families heading back to school after the holiday season. This year, more than 533,000 meals* were donated to families in need from a record-breaking 2017 Power Your Lunchbox digital program. The 2017 back-to-school program, which ran Aug. 7 to Sept. 22, 2017, alone saw 200 million impressions with 66.5 million impressions from the #PowerYourLunchbox social media hashtag. Across the U.S. and Canada, 27,072 families took the pledge, including 67 classrooms.
Partner produce companies supporting the 2017 Power Your Lunchbox digital program included: Avocados From Mexico, Bee Sweet Citrus, Crispy Green®, Earthbound Farm®, Eat Smart®, Marie’s ®, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice, The World of Eric Carle®, GROW Bananas by Organics Unlimited, NatureFresh™ Farms, Pero Family Farms®, Sun World®, Vegy Vida® Dips ‘n More, Wish Farms Strawberries and Zespri® Kiwifruit.
“Our Power Your Lunchbox movement continues to grow year over year as we evolve the digital program along with our family audience,” continued James. “We are able to continue to provide relevant recipes and content for these busy time periods for families by recognizing that families are diverse and the bulk of time spent in the kitchen is not just on moms.”
Power Your Lunchbox will relaunch in January to re-inspire families to eat a healthier lunch in the New Year.
