Snyder's-Lance Launches Nationwide Partnership with Armed Forces Foundation

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Snyder's-Lance Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: LNCE) will partner with the Armed Forces Foundation (Foundation) beginning in May. This relationship with the Foundation will add to Snyder's-Lance's commitment to support military causes.  

The nationwide military initiative will support the Foundation's mission of promoting the morale, welfare and quality of life of those within the United States armed forces community, including members of the military and their families. The campaign will run throughout the summer months encouraging consumers to support the Foundation via an in-store and Facebook donation drive along with a matching gift of $25,000 from Snyder's-Lance.

"We're delighted to partner with Snyder's-Lance and its family of brands that represent American values like commitment to quality and pride," said Patricia Driscoll, president and executive director of the Armed Forces Foundation. "We've been hard at work on this partnership and its elements since July and think it has amazing potential. We look forward to great things from this pairing."

In addition, Snyder's-Lance and JTG Daugherty Racing will come together to promote the campaign with patriotic decals on the No. 47 NASCAR Sprint Cup car, driven by Bobby Labonte, on May 7 at the Showtime Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

"Both the Snyder's of Hanover and Lance brands have a long history of supporting military organizations, causes, active soldiers and veterans," said David Singer, Snyder's-Lance CEO. "We are very excited to launch a national partnership that will help military personnel, as well as their families during times of need. Our armed forces and their families sacrifice so much to protect our freedom and we are proud to support them in any way possible."

Dating back to World War II, Lance Sandwich Crackers provided not only crackers but also essential strategic tools for the military. Collectively, the Snyder's-Lance brands also regularly make both financial and product donations to organizations and events that support several dozen military organizations and their family members. Military-related groups supported by Snyder's-Lance include the USO, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., Coalition to Salute American Heroes, United States Military Mothers & Friends, Wounded Warriors, Military Order of the Purple Heart, several American Legion groups, as well as dozens of other local military groups requesting donations to be sent overseas.

"After working with Snyder's-Lance on developing this partnership, I've learned that many of their 6,500 employees have a military background with various employees either on active duty or in the Reserves. It was also great to hear that the company offers an excellent military leave policy and actively recruits candidates with military backgrounds," said Driscoll. 

In addition to the legal requirements of keeping a military employee's job and allowing them to have time off without penalty for military obligations, Snyder's-Lance employees who get called into active duty can choose to keep their company benefits for themselves and their dependents.  

The current initiative with the Foundation continues this tradition by supporting the current generation of military service members. An official media announcement with more details about the forthcoming Foundation and Snyder's-Lance partnership will be made on Wednesday, April 6 at the Armed Forces Foundation Congressional Gala in Washington, D.C.

In addition to supporting dozens of military-related organizations, Snyder's-Lance also supports national and regional nonprofit organizations with both product and financial donations to support hunger, education and health issues impacting the country — particularly as they relate to children, as well as disadvantaged families.

Snyder's-Lance, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, manufactures and markets snack foods throughout the United States and internationally. The Company's products include pretzels, sandwich crackers, potato chips, cookies, tortilla chips, restaurant style crackers, nuts and other snacks. Snyder's-Lance has manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Indiana, Georgia, Arizona, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada. Products are sold under the Snyder's of Hanover, Lance, Krunchers!, Cape Cod, Jays, Grande, Tom's, Archway, O-Ke-Doke, and Stella D'oro brand names along with a number of private label and third-party brands. Products are distributed widely through grocery and mass merchandisers, convenience stores, club stores, food service outlets and other channels

SOURCE Snyder's-Lance Inc.