CERRITOS, Calif., June 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mass Connections, the nation's leader in retail marketing services and consumer-related promotions, has partnered with a leading children's advocacy group, KidsPeace(r), to promote and educate consumers on improving child nutrition and combating youth obesity. The campaign motto is "Join the Fight, Help Kids Eat Right(tm)," and Mass Connections is leading the charge with in-store sampling, educational information and premium give-aways.
"Join The Fight, Help Kids Eat Right(tm)" centers on the growing concern among doctors, nutritionists and child advocates to combat the number of children suffering from obesity as a result of a lack of sound daily nutrition. Seven percent of American children do not receive the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables, while one in six kids are obese, three times the national figures since 1980. Research has also proven that children who eat at home are physically and mentally healthier. In view of these disturbing facts, Mass Connections is promoting the need for consumers to rely more on the grocery store for their home-cooked meals versus eating away from home.
Mass Connections will conduct nationwide retail events throughout the year in partnership with KidsPeace, a group that includes doctors, nutritionists and childhood advocates. Mass Connections' campaign kick-off began during National Family Month(tm), which runs from Mother's Day to Father's Day. National Family Month urges parents to spend more time with their kids, exercising and instilling positive eating habits by eating healthier meals together at home. The campaign includes nationwide events throughout the year. In conjunction with in-store events, the campaign will include national ads highlighting the issue, the distribution of educational materials, and a website to target children and their families.
Mass Connections, led by President & CEO Caroline Nakken, was aware of the importance of this cause and knew their resources could greatly increase the exposure to consumers and retailers regarding the critical nature of childhood nutrition. Ms. Nakken commented on the company's role in the campaign that, "Mass Connections is excited to be involved in the fight for improved childhood nutrition. With almost 50% of the food share away from home, it is time for more national public relations and activity educating consumers on the health benefits of eating at home."
She further commented, "With our strong ability and resources to promote campaigns and distribute important nutritional information, we hope to increase awareness in America's kids and their families that learning to eat right is a lifelong goal. And Mass Connection's goal is to build awareness that the supermarket is a community resource for healthy living."
Mass Connections' continued year-long involvement in the campaign will include food product sampling at retail stores, informational brochures for parents, and give-aways of flying discs and activity books to children that teach proper nutrition. An extensive local and national press drive, coupled with Mass Connections' strong relationship with the nation's top retailers and manufacturers, will assure that the "Join the Fight, Help Kids Eat Right" drive will be successful. This cause is indicative of Mass Connections' emphasis on community involvement as well as their desire to see greater awareness in children's health.
About Mass Connections
Mass Connections, based in Cerritos, California, is the nation's leader in consumer in-store events and promotions. Mass Connections has evolved services in designing, creatives, sourcing components/premiums, and fulfillment/distribution for in-store events. With nearly 30 years of experience in event promotion, the company focuses on programs that deliver memorable, measurable, effective messages to America's consumers. Mass Connections' retail, consumer product, and marketing divisions design and implement events and campaigns for America's largest brands and retailers. For more information on Mass Connections, visit them on the web at www.massconnections.com or call toll free at 1-800-275-6650.