Cheerios(R) Partners With Martina McBride and Cal Ripken

MINNEAPOLIS, May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheerios unveiled today a new partnership with country music superstar Martina McBride and baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. to inspire Americans to take care of their hearts so they can do more of what they love.

Together with Cheerios, McBride and Ripken are ready to show Americans how their personal dedication to taking care of their heart keeps them energized whether they are on tour, on the go with family or on the field. The group is developing an exciting program that will continue throughout the summer and reward Americans for committing to take care of their hearts.

"Being healthy is important to me, and I have taught my girls that making good food choices is not just about how they look but also about their well-being," said McBride. "Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women, yet too many of us aren't aware of the way our daily habits affect heart health. Making smart lifestyle choices is key, and I am excited to team up with Cheerios on this campaign to encourage people to put their hearts first."

"Cheerios is a wonderful brand and something I have enjoyed my entire life, so I am thrilled to partner with them to remind people that it is important to take care of your heart, so you can do what you love," said Ripken. "As a dad and a guy who is about to turn 50, I try to take care of myself now more than ever. I am excited to use this platform to encourage others to make heart health a priority so we can all do the things that drive us and make us happy."

As heart health continues to be a significant and growing issue in the United States, Cheerios recognizes the importance of inspiring Americans to become caretakers of their hearts.

"We are elated to team up with such iconic figures as Martina McBride and Cal Ripken Jr.," said Jeff Hingher, brand marketing manager for Cheerios. "From music to baseball, this partnership is a terrific way to show Americans that no matter what you love to do, you'll need a healthy heart to do it."

Consumers are invited to participate in the new Cheerios campaign by visiting www.Cheerios.com/love and sharing what they will do with their healthy heart.

About Cheerios

Cheerios, America's No. 1 cereal, debuted in 1941 as Cheerioats.  The nation's first ready-to-eat oat cereal has since become one of the most trusted and recognized brands in America.  In fact, one of every eight boxes of cereal sold in America is a box of Cheerios.  General Mills' popular franchise includes Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, MultiGrain Cheerios, Berry Burst Cheerios, Fruity Cheerios, Cheerios Crunch, Yogurt Burst Cheerios, Banana Nut Cheerios and Chocolate Cheerios.  For more information, go to www.cheerios.com.

About General Mills

One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in over 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A., General Mills had fiscal 2009 global net sales of US$15.9 billion, including the company's $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales. Visit www.generalmills.com.

SOURCE General Mills