FirstFruits Marketing to launch Take a Bite Out of Hunger 2013

FirstFruits Marketing is launching its third-annual Take a Bite Out of Hunger program at select retailers. FirstFruits Marketing created Take a Bite Out of Hunger with the goal of helping feed the underserved while bringing attention to the problem of food insecurity in the United States. This is the third year that FirstFruits Marketing has partnered to make fresh apple donations in a retailer’s name to local food banks, with the retailer contributing the cost of freight. “This program is one of our favorites,” says Dennis Jackson, category manager of FirstFruits of Washington. “We enjoy helping our retail partners make these donations and have received great feedback from the food banks that are always appreciative of receiving fresh and healthy produce.” The problem of hunger isn’t just about being hungry. It’s about food insecurity, or not having regular access to safe, affordable and nutritious foods. As of 2010, 15% of all U.S. households were food-insecure; 33% of those were children, 96% reported that the food they bought just did not last and they did not have money to get more and 94% reported that they could not afford to eat balanced meals. Retailers participating in the program this year include Dave’s Marketplace, Sweetbay Supermarket, A&P/Pathmark, United Supermarkets, Ahold and J.H. Harveys. Last year over 250,000 pounds of fresh apples were donated in the retailers’ names to food banks of their designation in local trade areas. The Take a Bite Out of Hunger program provides full retail support with campaign themed polybags and merchandisers, point of sale cards, and ad slicks. A quick response (QR) code on collateral links to a video about hunger. At the conclusion of the program local press is invited to cover the food bank donations.