Campaign to raise local funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®

LAKELAND, FL (May 29, 2014) –Publix is once again partnering with Produce for Kids® for the 12th Annual Get Healthy, Give Hope campaign to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for children’s organizations. The joint campaign, which begins May 29, will educate families on the benefits of healthy eating and raise money for Publix’s designated charity – local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®. Since 2002, Publixcustomers and associates have raised nearly $2.3 million for local children’s organizations.

To help increase its donation, shoppers are encouraged to add more produce to their grocery carts. All 12 participating fruit and vegetable suppliers will make a consumption-based donation to local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®, which provides comfort, treatment and hope to millions of sick kids.

“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Publix to educate families on healthy eating habits while improving the lives of children in our local communities,” said John Shuman, president of Produce for Kids. “This year is an important year for the Get Healthy, Give Hope campaign, as we expect to surpass the $2.3 million mark in total funds raised. This success wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of our valued retailers, including Publix.”

“We have partnered with Produce for Kids for more than a decade to help educate our customers about the importance of healthy eating,” said Maria Brous, media and community relations director for Publix. “The campaign not only provides resources to teach children how to make nutritious choices to develop strong and healthy bodies, but it also raises funds for the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®.”

Throughout the campaign, signage will be featured in Publix produce departments, which will list all participating companies, as well as healthy, easy-to-prepare recipes. In-store materials also will encourage shoppers to visit www.produceforkids.com for additional information on the campaign and to read healthy tips from real parents.

For the third year, Produce for Kids also will partner with Sprout®, the 24-hour preschool television channel. For more information, please visit www.produceforkids.com or Produce for Kids Facebook page.

The following companies proudly support the Get Healthy, Give Hope campaign and your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals: Bolthouse Farms® Juices & Smoothies; D’Arrigo Bros. of California – Andy Boy® Broccoli; Chiquita® Bananas; Fresh Express® Packaged Salads; Coast Tropical Mangoes; Crunch Pak® Sliced Apples; Del Monte Foods® – Fruit Naturals® Cups; J & D Produce, Inc. – Little Bear® Brand Vidalia® Sweet Onions; Minute Maid® Pure Squeezed Orange Juice; Shuman Produce – RealSweet® Vidalia® Onions; Ventura Foods – Marie’s® Dressings; Paramount Farms – Wonderful® Pistachios.

For more information about the Get Healthy, Give Hope campaign, visit www.produceforkids.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Diane Hurd Produce for Kids 816.556.3144 [email protected]