Opal Apple “Youth Make a Difference” Doubles Funding for 2015

The growers behind the Opal apple, FirstFruits Marketing is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations to benefit from 2014-2015 Opal sales as part of the "Youth Make a Difference" Initiative. The campaign is designed to provide financial support to causes led by youth ages six to 25. For the third consecutive year, the incredible demand for Opal apple has allowed FirstFruits Marketing to allocate funds for youth-led initiatives that address issues in food security, nutrition, agriculture, food politics or food education. Non-profit organizations and school-based entities can apply for funding, totaling approximately $150,000, at opalapples.com from January 6 until February 28, 2015. In 2014, FirstFruits distributed $75,000 in Youth Make a Difference grants. "Many children experience hunger, malnutrition or obesity, but very few understand where their food is sourced or how it is grown," says Suzanne Broetje, executive director, Vista Hermosa Foundation, Broetje Orchards. "With the Youth Make a Difference campaign, we hope to inspire the next generation to make a real difference in their communities on issues like hunger and healthy eating, the politics of food distribution, and the importance of community service." FirstFruits will evaluate all 2015 Youth Make a Difference applicants against a set of criteria before posting finalists at opalapples.com. Beginning May 4, 2015 consumers are invited to visit the website and vote for their favorite initiatives. In July, FirstFruits plans to award funding to multiple youth-led charities based on consumer votes and consistency with criteria. Criteria, nomination guidelines and funding details are available online.