The Quaker Oats Company Supporting Teachers and Classrooms in Need

Teachers spend more than $1 billion a year stocking their own classrooms, and they are buying more than just school supplies. In fact, three in five public school teachers say their students regularly come to school hungry, and as a result these teachers typically spend $37 per month from their own paychecks on food for their students. To help fuel health and wellness in schools and ensure students have the tools that can help them succeed, The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, Inc., is teaming up with AdoptAClassroom.org to donate up to $250,000 to teachers across the country who may be reaching into their own pockets. Now through Sept. 30, Quaker is encouraging families and community members nationwide to help support teachers and classrooms in need by purchasing specially-marked Quaker products and entering the unique package codes online at www.QuakerUpForClassrooms.com. Each code entered will trigger a $1 donation from Quaker up to $250,000 that will impact up to 2,000 teachers. Participants will also receive a coupon for $1 off Quaker products. When entering unique package codes online at www.QuakerUpForClassrooms.com, families can enter their zip code to help fund participating AdoptAClassroom.org teachers in or near their community. “As one of America’s most trusted nourishment brands, Quaker recognizes the importance of helping to fuel health and wellness for families – our wholesome products are part of the story, but teachers truly make an impact on the communities we serve,” said Justin Lambeth, chief marketing officer, Quaker Foods North America. “Through our program with AdoptAClassroom.org, we are excited to support great teachers across the country who are committed to helping keep their classrooms energized and ready to learn throughout the school year.” The funds teachers receive from AdoptAClassroom.org courtesy of Quaker can be used on a variety of resources to help students during their school day such as necessary school supplies, as well as nourishing breakfast foods and refueling snacks. “It’s amazing what teachers and students can accomplish together when they have the proper resources in the classroom,” said Bob Thacker, Executive Director of AdoptAClassroom.org. “Partnering with corporate sponsors like Quaker has allowed us to help teachers and their students who otherwise may not be able to afford the tools needed to learn and succeed in school.” Quaker invites families nationwide to get involved in supporting the program and share their own teacher appreciation stories on their social networks using the #QuakerUp hashtag. Fans can follow the #QuakerUp conversation to read about amazing teachers across the country and see more great back-to-school content.