WINN-DIXIE ORLANDO TEAMS WITH SCHOOLS

CHRISTINE BLANK

Orlando, Fla. (FNS) -- Winn-Dixie's Orlando division teamed up with the Orange County Public Schools on a "Labels for Learning" promotion during October.

Winn-Dixie encouraged elementary school students to purchase frozen foods and bring the labels and/or proofs of purchase to their schools. Winn-Dixie awarded $2,000 to the school that collects the most labels, to be used toward supplies or "any other purchases they need," according to the chain. In addition, Winn-Dixie sponsored a pizza party for the class that brought in the most labels.

The program was an extension of the National Frozen Food Association's Cool Food For Kids promotion, so the students were also taught the "ABC's of frozen food," including safe food handling. Winn Dixie supplied the schools with educational materials concerning frozen food that they could incorporate into their regular curriculum.

Labels for Learning is a pilot project that may be expanded to other public school systems in the Orlando area, according to Melanie L. Bal, a spokeswoman for Winn-Dixie Orlando.