During American Diabetes Month, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is inspiring consumers to grab a boost of blue as part of an overall healthy diet. The American Diabetes Association notes that fruit can fit into a diabetes friendly meal plan, help to satisfy a sweet tooth and provide extra nutrition. Blueberries are a great way to combine natural sweetness with the added benefit of essential nutrients like fiber, manganese, vitamin C and vitamin K.
USHBC is making it easy to choose blueberries throughout this important month, sharing recipes, nutrition information, research and other content as part of a promotional campaign.
- Program spokesperson, Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, and other health professional partners in the USHBC “Blue Crew” are contributing content, including blog posts, recipes, social media content and more.
- Partnership with the American Diabetes Association (ADA): The ADA is featuring two blueberry recipes that meet its nutrition criteria on its online Diabetes Food Hub, and USHBC is running one digital ad, also on the Diabetes Food Hub. This is complemented by a full-page print ad running in the fall issue of Diabetes Spectrum.
- Special activations with partner, the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH): Sponsorship of an expert advice article authored by PBH contributor and registered dietitian, Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, provides a closer look at how fruit can be included in a diabetes friendly eating plan and address common misconceptions about sugar content in fruit.
“American Diabetes Month is an opportunity for USHBC to help individuals impacted by type 1 or type 2 diabetes find ways to enjoy healthy meals and snacks,” said Jennifer Sparks, vice-president of marketing and communications at USHBC. “Through our partnerships with trusted and credible health organizations and experts, we’re excited to showcase how fresh and frozen blueberries fit conveniently into a diabetes friendly meal plan.”
The fifth of six “power periods,” American Diabetes Month is part of Grab a Boost of Blue, a strategic positioning and call to action backed by new tools and consumer research for retailers. It’s designed to tap into consumers’ passion for blueberries and increase consumption. USHBC has developed a digital toolkit of compelling content – social media images, digital ads and other resources – retailers and industry stakeholders can use to participate in the promotion.
In addition to being a smart choice to help manage diabetes, blueberries also are certified as heart-healthy through the American Heart Association (AHA)® Heart-Check Food Certification Program. USHBC continues to encourage industry-wide adoption of the official heart-check mark on blueberry packaging and throughout online, print and other promotional materials and activities.
For more information:
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
www.ushbc.blueberry.org
www.nabcblues.org
