Annie's Urges Support for USDA's Push for More Veggies in School Lunches

NAPA, Calif., March 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More servings of veggies for kids in school lunches? Yes, please! Now through April 11, Annie's is asking kids, parents and schools to respond to the USDA's recent call for a dramatic change in school lunches – including increasing the number of servings and variety of vegetables offered to students – by sharing letters and pictures of support.

"Annie's wants to show a tremendous amount of enthusiasm from people nationwide who, like us, are thankful the USDA has taken action to help alleviate childhood obesity," said Sarah Bird, Annie's SVP of Marketing. "Through our Root 4 Kids program, we hope to capture heartfelt and shareable letters and stories from kids, families and schools that support eating more real food."

The USDA is asking for input on the proposed rule during a public comment period. Annie's Root 4 Kids initiative, which seeks to inspire kids to dig and plant more veggies, is requesting letters and pictures be uploaded at www.Root4Kids.com/share-letters, where all relevant submissions will be featured. Letters can also be submitted by mail. Following the campaign, Annie's will package all stories, letters and pictures and submit them to the USDA with its own letter of support.

Nearly one third of America's children are obese or overweight, putting them at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other health problems. The USDA's new meal standards are designed to improve the health of nearly 32 million children who eat lunch at school every day and almost 11 million who eat breakfast. The proposed rule will raise the nutrition standards for meals for the first time in 15 years.

About Annie's Root 4 Kids

Annie's (www.Annies.com) launched Root 4 Kids in partnership with the National Farm to School Network (www.FarmToSchool.org) to inspire 1 million kids to dig and plant new veggies through harvest 2011. Caring adults sign up to "Root 4 Kids" at www.Root4Kids.com/join and commit to helping at least one child in their life dig or plant a new veggie. Root 4 Kids brings to life Annie's wish to nurture kids by inspiring families to eat more real food together.

About Annie's

Annie's is dedicated to nourishing families with delicious natural and organic foods made with the highest quality ingredients.  The line includes cheese, pasta meals, crackers, cookies, pretzels, cereals and fruit snacks salad dressings, BBQ sauce and condiments.  Since its founding in 1989, Annie's has been committed to social and corporate responsibility. The company believes in the importance of sustainable farming practices that respect the earth and its inhabitants. Annie's products are available nationwide at major grocery stores, natural food stores and club stores. For more information, visit www.Annies.com.  Follow Annie's on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/annieshomegrown) and Twitter (@annieshomegrown).

SOURCE Annie's, Inc.