TARRYTOWN, NY - As a trade news writer, I am all for celebrations surrounding International Literacy Day. Bolstering its brand presence and supporting a good cause, Jac. Vandenberg announced its backing of Save the Children’s annual summer reading campaign through its SUNRAYS® brand.

“We are extremely proud to be joining forces with so many other like-minded organizations to help kids keep learning and reading this summer—especially those most hard hit by the pandemic,” said John Paap, Brand Manager at Jac. Vandenberg. “In effort to increase awareness around this campaign, all our SUNRAYS mandarin bags will have a special message printed on the labels that will drive consumers to visit the campaign website, where they can get directly involved. We will also be donating several pallets of SUNRAYS mandarins to Save the Children to distribute to kids facing hunger this summer.”

The 100 Days of Reading campaign will offer children fun and exciting ways to keep reading and learning this summer, as noted in a press release, while also providing support and resources to rural America's most vulnerable kids.

Now through September 8, which is International Literacy Day, Save the Children will share tips and activities online and on its Instagram page to encourage kids to keep reading and stay active during the summer. For every link clicked, participants will help unlock donations of books, educational materials, and healthy food for children living in impoverished communities.

“Child hunger is on the rise across America due to COVID-19, putting children’s growth, development, and well-being at risk. One hungry child is one too many,” said Tamara Sandberg, U.S. Food Security and Nutrition Advisor for Save the Children. “Families across the country need more help than ever getting nutritious meals on the table. Thank you, Sunrays, for supporting 100 Days of Reading and our efforts to help give rural children access to nourishing food that will facilitate their learning and development."

The SUNRAYS brand has partnered with Save the Children since its inception in 2017 and has donated over $250,000 to the organization. Jac. Vandenberg also encourages its retail partners carrying SUNRAYS mandarins to highlight the campaign in their produce departments.

“It’s campaigns like this that really get me excited and proud of the work I do,” continued Paap. “This is just another example of how a small piece of fruit, like a mandarin, can make a huge impact on the lives of many. This is at the core of what makes SUNRAYS the brand it is—focused on bringing light to the darkness and building a brighter future for all. This is what it means to ‘Snack with Impact.’”

As the company continues to demonstrate support for the communities it serves, what moves will we see from Jac. Vandenberg next? AndNowUKnow will be sure to report.

Jac. Vandenberg