Growers, Retailers Reunite to Beat Breast Cancer

Marking National Breast Cancer Month in October, “Pink Ribbon Produce” will return to Harris Teeter, Meijer and Price Chopper stores. Created by Consumer Effects International, the program matches up the grocers with produce suppliers to raise money for local Susan G. Komen for the Cure affiliates. Stores will inform shoppers of the participating suppliers through a Pink Ribbon program icon on posters and point-of-sale signs.

“Pink Ribbon Produce brings together retailers, produce partners and consumers to support a cause that directly impacts many people within our community,” notes Debbie Augustine, CEO of Rocklin, Calif.-based Consumer Effects International, a consumer marketing agency for the retail and produce industries, which started the multiregional program in 2006. “Breast cancer has touched many of our friends and family, and this opportunity allows us to do our part in supporting research to find a cure, educating the public about early detection and making a difference in the lives of thousands of women.”

According to Consumer Effects’ website, to date, Pink Ribbon Produce has raised more than $210,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Among the produce partners supporting this year’s campaign are Alpine Fresh, Beach Street Farms, Custom Pak, Del Monte Fresh Produce, Desert Glory, Dole, Earthbound Farm, Fresh Express, Nature’s Way, Paramount Citrus, Rainier Fruit Co., Seald Sweet and Sunset Produce.

Matthews, N.C.-based Harris Teeter, Inc. a subsidiary of Ruddick Corp., employs over 21,000 associates and has 199 stores in North and South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Maryland, Delaware, Florida, and the District of Columbia. Grand Rapids, Mich.-based operates 185 supercenters throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. The Golub Corp., based in Schenectady, N.Y., owns and operates 115 Price Chopper grocery stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.