Steaz(R) Plants the 'SEEDs' of Its Own Philanthropic Initiative During Women's History Month to Celebrate the Power of Women

NEWTOWN, Pa., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Women's History Month, Steaz, a leading organic beverage company, is proud to announce the launch of the Steaz SEED Initiative™, a program that supports causes important to women through the provision of grants to inspirational individuals and organizations who are actively building a healthier world and thereby living the Steaz mission of doing Good for the Mind, Body, and Soul™.  Co-founders Eric Schnell and Steve Kessler will unveil the Steaz SEED Initiative at the upcoming Natural Products Expo West (Booth # 2926) in Anaheim, CA, March 11-14th.

Recognizing the tremendous impact that women have on society, Steaz has developed this social-change program for women, led by women.  The program is guided by Steaz's Women's Wellness Committee comprised of renowned leaders from diverse sectors, such as motherhood, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, culinary arts, the organic industry, and women's development.  In addition to providing expert insights, knowledge and inspiration through a variety of Steaz channels, the Committee will oversee the Healthy SEED Awards program, which employs a three-dimensional model of giving, consisting of a financial grant, product donation and mentorship in areas such as marketing, finance, and legal.

"Created to inspire and support the strength, abilities, and health of women, the Steaz SEED Initiative is an integrated program that engages Steaz customers, retailers, and industry partners by providing a platform for women to discuss and address issues that matter most to them," says Steaz co-founder Eric Schnell.  "Our goal is to inspire and encourage women to dream, achieve, and create change in areas that are most important to them."

The Steaz Women's Wellness Committee's founding members include: Judith Schnell Fogarty, Schnell's mother and holistic psychotherapist; Chef Akasha Richmond, celebrity chef, organic food activist, author, and restaurant owner; Jennifer Greenfield, philanthropic management expert; Patty DeDominic, founder of the International Women's Festivals and successful entrepreneur; Jean Weidemann, PhD, founder and president of the Weidemann Foundation and global pioneer of women's development issues; and Kathryn Schuett, Editor of Organic Processing Magazine, holistic living expert, and industry champion.

To welcome the founding members and honor their own lifetime achievements, Steaz has granted these women the first annual Healthy SEEDs Awards, to be given to a charity of their choice or their own.  The women will be honored at various events surrounding Expo West later this month.  Going forward, the Awards program will be open to the public.  

The company will publicize the Steaz SEED Initiative on the web and through its retail partners.  Retailers will be invited to promote the program at their locations later this year with POS material provided by Steaz.  Applications will be accepted through a dedicated page on the company's website.  Awards will be given annually and announced each year at the Natural Products Expo West.  Details of the application process will be released this summer.  

Steaz's commitments to social and environmental responsibility include the company's highly regarded dedication to Fair Trade practices with its suppliers and the use of all natural, USDA Certified Organic ingredients in all of its product lines.  In 2007, Steaz was recognized with the Socially Responsible Business Award, an honor presented annually to companies displaying exemplary business citizenship in the natural, organic and sustainable products industry.

About Steaz (www.steaz.com)

Steaz is the maker of USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade Certified™ Steaz Iced Teaz, Steaz Sparkling Green Teas and Steaz Energy drinks and shots.  According to SPINSscan Natural, Steaz is the best-selling organic soft drink brand and natural energy drink brand in the U.S., based on total dollar sales.  Steaz is sold nationwide in Whole Foods Markets and other natural, specialty, gourmet and club stores, as well as food service outlets.  Steaz is also sold in retail grocery stores such as Safeway, Stop n Shop, Wegmans, and Shaw's supermarkets.  

SOURCE Steaz