Pink Ribbon Produce Program Kicks Off in Harris Teeter, Meijer and Price Chopper Stores

The Pink Ribbon Produce program has returned to the produce industry this October to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer. The program along with three grocery retailers—Harris Teeter, Meijer and Price Chopper—focuses on promoting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables to fight cancer. In addition to education and awareness efforts, the collaboration has collectively raised more than $461,000 for the fight against breast cancer. This year the program is supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

Now in its 11th year, the promotional campaign challenges consumers to battle cancer by eating healthier. The program officially runs through the month of October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness month and has already peppered the aisles of retailers across the nation. This year's theme is "What's on Your Plate?," designed to educate and empower shoppers to buy, cook and eat healthy options that naturally lower the risk of cancer.

The campaign official kicked off Oct. 1, and participating produce suppliers and retailers will display educational signs, distribute pamphlets and utilize point-of-sale wobblers in their stores. This in-store marketing will ensure consumers are aware of the Pink Ribbon Produce campaign and are encouraged to purchase groceries that are healthy for them and support breast cancer research, treatment and screenings.

"We are thrilled to be a part of Pink Ribbon Produce and our industry partners in a united pledge to fight breast cancer," says Debbie Augustine, founder/executive creative director of AugustineIdeas. "This healthy eating and lifestyle campaign extends the farm to fork movement to raise awareness and donations to support breast cancer education and prevention."

The American Cancer Society recommends eating 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day to lower the risk of cancer. This statistic led Pink Ribbon Produce to develop three vibrant "What's on Your Plate?" guides. Through helpful tips and tasty recipes featuring the products from participating produce suppliers, these resources will encourage shoppers to fill half of their plates with fruits and vegetables. The goal is that these guides—combined with an informative website and in-store marketing—will inspire consumers to actively lower their risk of breast cancer by balancing their meals.

Consumers can download any of the "What's on Your Plate?" guides for free online.

Through various fundraising activities, including Pink Ribbon Produce, NBCF provides funding for research, educational programs and mammograms to women across the country. By uniting produce suppliers and retailers with NBCF, Pink Ribbon Produce creates a convenient way for shoppers to support breast cancer research and prevention. Additionally, all of the in-store marketing includes links back to the promotion's website, which includes a quick "Donate Today" feature that direct visitors to NBCF's secure donation portal.

During the month of October, Pink Ribbon Produce brings major produce suppliers together through Harris Teeter, Meijer and Price Chopper stores.