This fall BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores have joined Katie’s Krops to inspire parents and children to lead healthier lifestyles by eating more fresh produce. From Sept. 10 to Oct. 7, a percentage of every specially marked fruit or vegetable purchased will be donated to Katie’s Krops to support Katie’s dream of 500 gardens across all 50 states by 2018.

Select store locations also will host in-store educational sampling events that will feature kid-friendly items from produce sponsors, including Dole Fresh Vegetables, Reichel Foods, Country Fresh, Ready Pac, Buddy Fruit, Starr Ranch, Bolthouse Farms, Wonderful Brands, Sage Fruit and Dayka Hackett.

“Through our ongoing partnership with Katie’s Krops and our produce sponsors we have a unique opportunity to encourage children to taste, smell, feel and ultimately enjoy trying new produce that they may have never explored,” Bob Denomme, Bi-Lo Holdings vice president of produce, said in a press release. “We welcome all our customers to join us as we expand our partnership with Katie’s Krops and to visit your local BI-LO, Harveys, or Winn-Dixie to partake in the fun of trying something new.” 

Additionally, the grocery stores have joined Radio Disney to bring its "TRYit" campaign to all stores. Designed to inspire kids and families to try a variety of new healthy foods while having some fun at their local grocery store, the "TRYit" events are part of a joint effort to help inspire children and parents to lead healthier lifestyles through an integrated promotion of fresh produce. Consumers entering any BI-LO, Harveys or Winn-Dixie location from Sept. 10 to Oct. 7 will find Disney’s “TRY it!” campaign has taken over the produce department.

In-stores, consumers will be greeted with Disney signage with characters from popular Disney franchises. The signage provides direction for the in-store Disney scavenger hunt and instructions for entering The Big Apple Sweepstakes. The Disney scavenger hunt takes shoppers to select fruits and vegetables where sweepstakes clues are given along with produce facts for kids. Once all clues are collected, children and parents can text in the code to be automatically entered into the sweepstakes with prizes, including a vacation package to New York City with hotel accommodations, airfare and tickets to ABC’s "The Chew."

Select locations will also host Radio Disney Road Crews, who will provide interactive entertainment, fun prizes and giveaways. Demonstrations at 100 stores will sample fresh fruits, vegetables and recipe cards will be distributed from the Disney-themed eCookbook.

“We are looking forward to bringing the magic of healthy living into the produce department where kids have the opportunity to interact with fruits and vegetables in an exciting way,” said Denomme. “Through the engaging content provided at the in-store events to the interactive Web-based cookbook we hope to help educate families on making nutritious selections each time they do their grocery shopping.”