Produce suppliers and retailers expand Pink Ribbon program

Pink Ribbon Produce, a unique retail program committed to the fight against breast cancer, will return this October to more than 500 Harris Teeter, Meijer and Price Chopper stores. The educational fundraising program, managed by AugustineIdeas, partners the three grocery retailers with produce suppliers to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc . (NBCF). Stores will direct shoppers to the participating produce suppliers with a Pink Ribbon Produce icon on posters and point-of-sale signs at the product. In addition to buying selected products to support NBCF, customers can text “Pink HT” for Harris Teeter, “PINK M” for Meijer or “Pink PC” for Price Chopper to 80077 to make a donation.

“Pink Ribbon Produce brings together grocery retailers, produce partners and consumers to support a cause that directly impacts one in eight women across the United States,” said Debbie Augustine, chief executive officer of AugustineIdeas. “This program gives everyone a tangible way to make a difference, while helping to fund treatments and research for a cure.”

In June 2011, Ronna was first diagnosed with DCIS, stage 0 breast cancer. DCIS stands for ductal carcinoma in situ and is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. In late July 2011, she had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. After the doctors found other cancerous tumors in her lymph nodes, she began four rounds of chemo therapy, once every three weeks. She then started six weeks of radiation, 28 treatments, in November 2011. More than a year after the diagnosis, Ronna is doing much better, and with the help and support she received through the National Breast Cancer Foundation continues her journey with her breast cancer now in remission.

Through various fundraising activities, including Pink Ribbon Produce, NBCF provides funding for research, educational programs and mammograms to women across the country.

Produce partners supporting this year’s Pink Ribbon campaign include:

For more information about Pink Ribbon Produce, visit www.pink-ribbon-produce.com.