Do Good When You Shop: Buy Produce and Raise Mone...( Meijer Stores and Produce for Kids(R)...),Health

Meijer Stores and Produce for Kids(R) raise money for local children's hospitals

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- During these challenging economic times, it can be difficult to make charitable giving a priority, but Meijer Stores is partnering with Produce for Kids(R) on behalf of fresh fruit and vegetable growers to help shoppers give money to local Children's Miracle Network hospitals.

From now to June 27, participating fruit and vegetable growers will make a donation to the local children's hospital based on sales of their items at Meijer Stores. The more produce purchased at Meijer Stores, the more the Children's Miracle Network will benefit.

Frank Guglielmi, director of public relations at Meijer Stores, said when shoppers buy designated items, such as apples, they can raise money for their local -area children's hospitals without impacting their household budgets.

"Meijer customers are very generous by nature," Guglielmi added. "As economic times remain challenging, shoppers are pleased to have the opportunity to help their communities simply by making healthy choices inside our stores."

That is confirmed by the latest results of the Cone Cause Evolution Study, which found a sharp increase in consumers who have purchased products associated with a non-profit cause. Cone first began measuring the attitudes of Americans 15 years ago. The study also revealed that more than half (52 percent) of Americans feel companies should maintain their level of financial support of causes and nonprofit organizations even in tough economic times.

This is the sixth year that Meijer has partnered with Produce for Kids, an organization that promotes the benefits of healthy eating and supports worthy causes for children. Together, Meijer shoppers and the participating fresh produce companies have raised more than $345,000 for Children's Miracle Network hospita
'/>"/>