E to the T to the A to the N to the B, Hip-Hop Motivates Kids to Eat To A New Beat

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The tap and clink of lunch trays and utensils replace the standard hip-hop bump and grind in the debut of "Change the Game," a new song featuring rap recording artist Naledge of Kidz in the Hall.  The song reminds kids that they possess the power to affect change in their lives, including what's served to them in the school cafeteria.

The new song also serves as the basis of the Eat To A New Beat Dance Off, a national contest for kids 13-18 years old to show how they strut their stuff to change the game.  Kids are invited to visit www.EatToANewBeat.com to download "Change the Game," and make their own dance video submission.  The current video on the site stars Naledge and The Happiness Club, a group of Chicago kids who dance to make a difference.  Kids can view and vote for videos on the site through June 1,  2011.  The video submission with the most votes will win $1,000.

"The quality of school lunch is being debated all over the country, and we wanted to provide a way for kids to get involved in this conversation in a way that really connects with them," said Gina Asoudegan of Applegate Farms, the sponsors of the dance contest and www.EatToANewBeat.com.  "We are so excited to partner with Naledge and The Happiness Club to reach out to kids in a way that will get them motivated to make a difference in their school cafeterias.  We hope 'Change the Game' will be their generation's anthem for getting involved – no matter what the issue."

Naledge, also known as Jabari Miles Evans, grew up on the south side of Chicago and is an Ivy League graduate and half of the acclaimed group Kidz in the Hall.  He is known for using his music to promote social change.

"This song and the dance off is close to my heart," said Naledge.  "Much of my music is about encouraging kids to be their best, especially when it comes to school, and what they eat at school is a big part of that success."

"Eat To A New Beat" Dance Off Details

The "Eat To A New Beat Dance Off" is part of Applegate Farms' commitment to improving the quality and nutrition of school lunch.  The contest uses music and dance to motivate kids to care about their health and nutrition.  Kids between the ages of 13 to 18 can submit videos at www.EatToANewBeat.com through June 1, 2011.  Winners will be selected by the most votes and notified on June 15, 2011.  The participants in the winning video will receive $1000.  Second and third place cash prizes also will be awarded in the amounts of $500 and $250, respectively.

For complete contest rules and regulations, visit www.EatToANewBeat.com.

About www.EatToANewBeat.com

The website, www.EatToANewBeat.com, brings together food and fun to help kids learn more about the choices they make three times – or more – a day when they eat.  In addition to the "Eat To A New Beat Dance Off" the site features a mix of nutrition education, community resources, music, dance, art, and comics.

About Applegate Farms

For more than 20 years, Applegate Farms has been producing high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, bacon and deli meats.  Natural can mean many things, but when consumers see the word "natural" on the Applegate Farms label, they are guaranteed that the meat inside is:

• Free of antibiotics or hormones
• From animals fed a vegetarian or 100% grass diet and treated with humane animal standards
• Free of chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates
• Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives

For more information about organic and natural deli meats, visit www.applegatefarms.com.

SOURCE Applegate Farms