Nationwide Effort Encourages Parents to Pack Assorted Colors for Kids

CONCORD, Mass., September 12, 2007 – As part of the new Fruits & Veggies—More Matters™ public health initiative, which encourages Americans to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in their diets, September has become "Fruits & Veggies-More Matters Month." To support this national call-to-action, Welch's has declared September 24-28, 2007 P.A.C.K. Week: Pack Assorted Colors for Kids Week. During this week, parents will be encouraged to include more fruits and vegetables, in a variety of colors and forms, into their children's lunch boxes.

To date, more than 2,300 elementary schools in 48 states have signed on to participate in P.A.C.K. Week. This educational program, which is being embraced by school nurses nationwide, assigns a specific color group of fruits and vegetables to each day of the week and helps children and their families understand the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. "P.A.C.K. Week is a fun, engaging way to encourage parents and children to consume a range of colorful fruits and vegetables, which matters in maintaining a healthy weight and possibly reducing the risk of many diseases," said Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., President and CEO of Produce for Better Health Foundation. "And, all forms of fruits and vegetables count, from fresh and frozen, to canned, dried and 100% juice."

The colors for each day of P.A.C.K. Week are:

Monday, September 24: Pack Purple Day
P.A.C.K. Week kicks off with the purple/blue color, since this category currently represents just three percent of Americans' fruit and vegetable intake. A kid-friendly way to "pack purple" is with Welch's 100% Grape Juice made from Concord grapes. Just four ounces of 100% Grape Juice made from Concord grapes contains an abundance of natural antioxidants not found in other fruits, and counts as a ˝ cup serving of fruit. Other options include raisins, plums, blueberries and blackberries.

Tuesday, September 25: Pack White Day
White, tan and brown fruits and vegetables such as brown pears, white peaches, dates and cauliflower comprise this color category. Of course, the most common white fruit – and one of the easiest to pack – is the banana.

Wednesday, September 26: Pack Red Day
Red fruits are abundant and include apples, cherries and strawberries. Parents can also consider packing red veggies, such as slices of sweet red pepper or tomato wedges.

Thursday, September 27: Pack Yellow/Orange Day
While the most common fruit in this category is the orange, many other delicious alternatives exist. Try baby carrots, pineapple chunks, nectarines, peaches, yellow pears, or dried apricots.

Friday, September 28: Pack Green Day
Green fruits and vegetables are the most commonly eaten, accounting for 26 percent of Americans' fruit and vegetable consumption, so choices are plentiful. Green grapes, green apples, celery sticks, snow peas, sugar snap peas, or broccoli florets are all easy-to-pack options. "Eating a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables is important as part of a balanced diet," said Pam Gardner, Health & Nutrition Manager, Welch's. "P.A.C.K. Week is an exciting initiative that helps children and parents appreciate the benefits of adding more fruits and vegetables to their diets, and shows them how easy it can be when all forms, including 100% juice, are considered."

Fruits & Veggies-More Matters is a national health call-to-action aimed at increasing Americans' fruit and vegetable consumption by inspiring and helping them include more fruits and vegetables into their daily diets. Welch's is an active member of Produce for Better Health Foundation, and is committed to helping Americans eat more fruit by providing wholesome and delicious fruit-based solutions to families.

For more information and tips on how to participate in P.A.C.K. Week, visit www.welchs.com. For more information about Fruits & Veggies-More Matters, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org.