Access Hollywood's Maria Menounos Helps Kickoff 'The Nestle Share the Joy of Reading Program' and Celebrates National Literacy Month by Reading Books to Kids

GLENDALE, Calif., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle® USA Confection & Snacks Division today announced a new charitable initiative, "The Nestle Share the Joy of Reading Program," which will donate up to $250,000 to Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit children's literacy organization. Actress, filmmaker and Access Hollywood special correspondent Maria Menounos read to children today at the Los Angeles Public Library's Robertson Branch to kickoff the program and celebrate National Literacy Month (September).

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"I'm proud to be part of 'The Nestle Share the Joy of Reading Program' to benefit Reading Is Fundamental," said Maria Menounos. "Reading has played a major role in my life – I wouldn't be where I am today if my parents hadn't read to me growing up and stressed the importance of reading on my own at an early age."

As a company, Nestle has a long standing history of supporting programs that benefit education and give back to the community – both have been integral parts of the company's culture. For nearly 20 years, Nestle has supported RIF by donating in excess of $6 million, which has helped hundreds of thousands of children to date.

How "The Nestle Share the Joy of Reading Program" Works

While "The Nestle Share the Joy of Reading Program" will be donating to RIF, it also gives consumers the chance to be rewarded with a wide range of prizes. Through this program, consumers will have the chance to help a child receive a new book every time they open a variety of specially marked bags of Nestle candy – including CRUNCH®, BUTTERFINGER®, BABY RUTH®, 100 GRAND®, BUTTERFINGER CRISP®, WONKA® LAFFY TAFFY®, WONKA® NERDS®, WONKA® SWEETARTS® and WONKA® MIXUPS®. By entering the package promotion code on the inside of specially marked Nestle candy bags at the program site www.CelebrationCorner.com/RIF, consumers have a chance to become an instant winner for which they'll receive a $10 book certificate. Additionally, they'll be entered into a monthly $5,000 cash drawing.

Each time a consumer enters a valid package promotion code to play the instant win game, Nestle will donate $.10 to RIF. Additionally, Nestle will donate a book in the form of $2 to RIF for each valid instant win prize claimed. Specially marked Nestle bags are currently in stores nationwide and will be available until the program ends in December 2011 or while supplies last. During that time, Nestle will donate up to $250,000 to RIF, with a minimum guarantee of $100,000 – the more consumers play, the more money will be donated.

"We're excited to announce the next phase of our long-standing relationship with RIF," said Tricia Bowles, spokesperson, Nestle USA Confections & Snacks.  "We believe this program will help make a difference in the lives of thousands of kids and underserved communities that really need the help. This has been a core component of Nestle's commitment to communities across the country and we're happy to give our consumers a chance to contribute while also receiving some great benefits for themselves – it's a win-win!"

Reading Skills are Critical

According to the National Assessment of Education Progress, students surveyed who talk about reading with family and friends had higher than average scores in school than students who never talked about reading. Nestle believes that education is the key to a brighter future and better quality of life for everyone and has made it a top priority for the company. For organizations like RIF and other social services, the economic downturn has taken its toll. Now more than ever, it is critical to give back to these organizations that are dedicated to supporting underserved children and families.

"As we celebrate National Literacy Month, RIF is thrilled to partner with the Nestle to share the joy of reading with children in Los Angeles and across the country," said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "For many years, Nestle has been a committed partner to RIF and supported our mission of providing free books to the children that need them most."

For more information about "The Nestle Share the Joy of Reading Program" please visit the official website at www.CelebrationCorner.com/RIF.

About Nestle USA

Named one of "The World's Most Admired Food Companies" in Fortune magazine for thirteen consecutive years, Nestle provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day.  From nutritious meals with LEAN CUISINE® to baking traditions with NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE®, Nestle USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself.  That's what "Nestle. Good Food, Good Life" is all about.  Well-known Nestle brands include: NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE®, NESTLE® NESQUIK®, NESTLE® COFFEE-MATE®, STOUFFER'S®, LEAN CUISINE®, HOT POCKETS® and LEAN POCKETS® brand sandwiches, NESCAFE®, NESCAFE® TASTER'S CHOICE®, NESTLE® JUICY JUICE®, BUITONI®, DREYER'S/EDY'S®, NESTLE® CRUNCH®, NESTLE® BUTTERFINGER®, WONKA®, DIGIORNO®, TOMBSTONE® and CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN® frozen pizza. Nestle USA, with 2009 sales of $10.4 billion, is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the world's largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness — with 2009 sales of $99 billion.  For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com.

About RIF

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4.4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at www.rif.org.

Discover the Joy!

SOURCE Nestle USA