Produce for Kids program benefits Children's Miracle Network
Produce for Kids program benefits Children's Miracle Network
Founded in May 2002 by John Shuman of Shuman Produce Inc., a Vidalia onion handler, the Produce for Kids campaign teams suppliers with retailers to raise money for Children's Miracle Network, spread information about the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables, and help to sell more produce.
The program is underway again for 2005, and it has already begun at two of the seven participating retailers. A large aspect of Produce for Kids is the program's Healthy Kids Days, which are "half-day in-store events where we pass out" coloring books and other similar materials to children that feature a healthy-eating theme, said Mr. Shuman. Health professionals are also on hand during these events to speak with consumers and help advise healthy lifestyles. Also, there is typically local media coverage for the events.
Publix and Meijer are two of the seven retailers hosting these events. The other five -- Kroger - Southwest Division, Giant Foods, Tops Markets, Harris Teeter and Schnucks -- conduct other events in which a Children's Miracle Network family visits a store and conducts interviews with local media.
Produce for Kids has been sponsored by 13 produce suppliers: Shuman Produce, Santa Sweet Grape Tomatoes, T. Marzetti, Del Monte, Fresh Express, Tropicana, Stemilt, Driscoll, Dole, Country Fresh, Chiquita, Ripe 'N Ready and Potandon Produce ("Green Giant" brand). Participating retailers feature the campaign in ads and circulars for 30 days. All sales of the sponsor' products (no more than six or seven per store) result in direct contributions to CMN.
"One hundred percent of all the donations go to the local Children's Miracle Network hospital in the retailer's area, said Heidi McIntyre, PFK marketing director of McIntyre Marketing Inc.
The donation rates are predetermined, and sales volumes determine the actual dollars donated. For "all the different sponsored products, said Mr. Shuman, "for every unit that is shipped into the retailer's distribution center, a predetermined donation amount is made to CMN.
Produce for Kids ensures that point-of-sale materials including posters, brochures and shelf cards are installed in retail locations during the promotional period. Among other things, the materials spotlight PFK's Give One, Get One program, which is conducted through its web site at www.produceforkids.org/giveone.php.
Consumers, particularly children, can go to the site and register to win a Playstation II, and the winner will also earn another gaming system for a local affiliated Children's Miracle Network hospital in the winner's name. "We have been getting quite a few entries on the site, Mr. Shuman said.
Children's Miracle Network uses the money for numerous purposes such as research and funding the healthcare of children whose families are unable to cover the sometimes very expensive medical bills that can accrue while treating a significant affliction.
"The thing I like about the Children's Miracle Network is that it ensures that no child gets turned away no matter what the family's financial situation, said Ms. McIntyre. "To date, Produce for Kids has raised a total of $235,000 to benefit hospitalized kids.
The program is underway again for 2005, and it has already begun at two of the seven participating retailers. A large aspect of Produce for Kids is the program's Healthy Kids Days, which are "half-day in-store events where we pass out" coloring books and other similar materials to children that feature a healthy-eating theme, said Mr. Shuman. Health professionals are also on hand during these events to speak with consumers and help advise healthy lifestyles. Also, there is typically local media coverage for the events.
Publix and Meijer are two of the seven retailers hosting these events. The other five -- Kroger - Southwest Division, Giant Foods, Tops Markets, Harris Teeter and Schnucks -- conduct other events in which a Children's Miracle Network family visits a store and conducts interviews with local media.
Produce for Kids has been sponsored by 13 produce suppliers: Shuman Produce, Santa Sweet Grape Tomatoes, T. Marzetti, Del Monte, Fresh Express, Tropicana, Stemilt, Driscoll, Dole, Country Fresh, Chiquita, Ripe 'N Ready and Potandon Produce ("Green Giant" brand). Participating retailers feature the campaign in ads and circulars for 30 days. All sales of the sponsor' products (no more than six or seven per store) result in direct contributions to CMN.
"One hundred percent of all the donations go to the local Children's Miracle Network hospital in the retailer's area, said Heidi McIntyre, PFK marketing director of McIntyre Marketing Inc.
The donation rates are predetermined, and sales volumes determine the actual dollars donated. For "all the different sponsored products, said Mr. Shuman, "for every unit that is shipped into the retailer's distribution center, a predetermined donation amount is made to CMN.
Produce for Kids ensures that point-of-sale materials including posters, brochures and shelf cards are installed in retail locations during the promotional period. Among other things, the materials spotlight PFK's Give One, Get One program, which is conducted through its web site at www.produceforkids.org/giveone.php.
Consumers, particularly children, can go to the site and register to win a Playstation II, and the winner will also earn another gaming system for a local affiliated Children's Miracle Network hospital in the winner's name. "We have been getting quite a few entries on the site, Mr. Shuman said.
Children's Miracle Network uses the money for numerous purposes such as research and funding the healthcare of children whose families are unable to cover the sometimes very expensive medical bills that can accrue while treating a significant affliction.
"The thing I like about the Children's Miracle Network is that it ensures that no child gets turned away no matter what the family's financial situation, said Ms. McIntyre. "To date, Produce for Kids has raised a total of $235,000 to benefit hospitalized kids.
