Bayer and Dollar General are again partnering to improve access to fresh produce for K-12 students and their families.
The partnership, which coincides with National School Lunch Week Oct. 14-18, provides students with coupons for fresh produce, nutritional supplements like vitamins and over-the-counter medications, helping make nutritious options more affordable to families outside of school, according to a news release.
National School Lunch Week celebrates the importance of a healthy school lunch and the role of school nutrition professionals in providing well-balanced meals to students throughout the U.S. According to the USDA, 1 in 5 children live in households without consistent access to adequate food. School lunches play an important role in providing children with nutritious meals.
Dollar General and Bayer said they are working to extend access to nutrition to students once they leave school. Approximately 75% of Americans live within five miles of a Dollar General and more than 5,400 Dollar Generals offer fresh produce, the release said.
For the second year, Dollar General and Bayer are offering children and families discount coupons to help save on purchases of fresh produce, vitamins and over-the-counter medications at Dollar General stores, the release said.
“School lunch programs do a great job of providing students with nutritious meals, but it’s important we find a way to also help ensure they have access to nutrition at home,” said Inci Dannenberg, head of Bayer’s Vegetables business. “This partnership with Dollar General underscores our commitment to Health for All, Hunger for None as we work to continue to increase access to fruits and vegetables around the globe.”
The International Fresh Produce Association works with school nutrition programs around the country to help increase children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables and plans to work with schools to facilitate the distribution of the coupons. Students will receive coupons for fresh produce at Dollar General, as well as Bayer’s vitamin supplements, according to the release.
“Schools are important partners when it comes to introducing students to fruits and vegetables,” said Andrew Marshall, IFPA wholesaler-distributor relations and external partnerships. “School nutrition programs are often the largest ‘restaurant’ in their respective communities, and it’s not uncommon to partner on efforts that support the health and well-being of their students and families. We’re proud to help facilitate in this opportunity.”
“At Dollar General, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to affordable food access, particularly in communities overlooked or underserved by others,” said Allen Warch, vice president/divisional merchandise manager for food and fresh for Dollar General. “Our partnership with Bayer and the IFPA isn’t just a collaboration, it’s a shared passion to extend our reach beyond the store aisles and into the classrooms, ensuring every child has access to nutritious produce and vital vitamin supplements beyond the school walls. We believe nurturing the next generation’s health is the most genuine service we can offer.”
Bayer says it is committed to helping enable access to healthy and affordable food as well as essential vitamins and minerals through nutritional supplements. The Dollar General partnership supports Bayer’s Nutrient Gap Initiative, which aims to expand access to fruits, vegetables and supplements in underserved communities, according to the release.
