This summer, the Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC) challenged consumers to raise funds for their local food banks by sharing a favorite summer cranberry recipe on social media. The campaign was inspired by a desire to give back to communities across the country while increasing awareness of the versatility of America’s Original Superfruit®, cranberries! Now complete, #SummerCranFan Challenge empowered consumers to nominate their local food bank and the resulting five most-mentioned food banks each received a $1,000 donation from the CMC.

 

Hunger in the United States is a huge issue. According to Feeding America, 1 in 16 children may not know where they will get their next meal. ¹ More than 13% of Americans are food insecure – lacking access to enough food for an active, healthy life. ² The CMC recognizes the role that food banks play in ensuring people in their communities have access to adequate nutrition and launched the #SummerCranFan Challenge to increase awareness and inspire others.

“The response we received from the campaign was overwhelming,” says Michelle Hogan, executive director of the CMC. “We were thrilled to see consumers participate in the challenge so eagerly and spread the news to help support their communities! While cranberries have a reputation as a fall fruit, the #SummerCranFan Challenge showcased the year-round possibilities of cooking and baking with this versatile berry,” adds Hogan.

Dried cranberries, cranberry sauce, frozen cranberries and cranberry juice are available year-round. They make a great addition to summer menus and add a pop of flavor to add variety to summer dishes and drinks. In addition to receiving dozens of entries to help raise funds for food banks, the #SummerCranFan Challenge brought in some innovative summer cranberry recipes – from a cranberry pesto chicken burger to a no-bake cranberry cheesecake, consumers accepted the challenge and got deliciously creative for a good cause.

With more than 20 food banks nominated nationwide, the CMC is honored to announce the five winning food banks, each receiving a $1,000 donation:

1. Food for Lane County, Eugene, OR
2. Shane Gives Thanks, Inc – Food Pantry, Carver, MA
3. Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX
4. South Wood Emerging Pantry Shelf, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
5. United Way St. Croix Valley, Hudson, WI

References:

1. Feeding America. Map the Meal Gap. Retrieved from feedingamerica.org/

2. Feeding America. Child Hunger Facts. Retrieved from feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/child-hunger-facts.html