YAKIMA, WA – FirstFruits Marketing is contributing $75,000 in grant funding to help youth-led programs address issues relating to food security, nutrition, agriculture, and food politics and education. The funds are part of the company’s Youth Make a Difference initiative, which allows various non-profit organizations to benefit from Opal® apple sales.

“The Youth Make a Difference campaign aims to inspire the next generation to make a real difference in their communities on issues such as hunger and healthy eating, the politics of food distribution, and the importance of community service,” said Suzanne Broetje, Executive Director, Vista Hermosa Foundation, Broetje Orchards. “It’s important for us to support organization that are making a difference, as this brings us one step closer to addressing the most important issues of our time.”

Non-profit organizations and school-based entities can apply for funding on the Opal® apples website by clicking here. All applications for 2016 funding must be received by February 27, 2016.

After evaluating all 2016 Youth Make a Difference applicants, FirstFruits will invite consumers to visit the Opal® Apples website to vote for their favorite initiatives. Then, in July, FirstFruits plans to award funding to multiple youth-led charities based on consumer votes and consistency with criteria, according to a press release. The criteria, nomination guidelines, and funding details can by found by clicking here.

Since its inception, the Youth Make a Difference initiative has granted more than $200,000 to various youth-led initiatives.

FirstFruits Marketing Opal Apples