WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - Amidst the rising trend of healthy eating for kids, Dole Packaged Foods recently launched the Dole Wiggles® for Words program on National Read A Book Day, blending childhood literacy with nutritious snacking. This initiative pairs the purchase of Dole Wiggles® Gels with donations of children's books, promoting both literacy and healthy habits.

“As a trusted brand for over 120 years, families for generations have chosen Dole for its accessible, quality, and convenient fruit snacks like our Dole Wiggles Gels,” said Orzse Hodi, President of Packaged Foods, USA. “We’re proud to serve over 66 million students nationwide in grades K through 12 by feeding and fostering their development at school and at home. Now as a Scholastic Literacy Partner, we are excited to expand support with books for families in need and delicious, fruit-powered goodness for all.”

The program, which runs from September 6 to October 6, involves a book donation for every Dole Wiggles Gels purchased at select retailers. According to a press release from Scholastic, early literacy is crucial for long-term health, and access to books significantly impacts overall well-being.

In addition to this initiative, Dole is launching a mobile "Treat Truck" to engage communities. This truck will visit select Walmart and Meijer stores from September 6 to September 22, offering Dole Wiggles Gels samples, a reading pledge wall, and interactive learning activities.

“Increasing literacy is an important part of the long-term physical and mental health of young people,” said Dwaine Millard, Senior Vice President of Sales and Partnerships, Scholastic. “We’re thrilled that Dole has become a Scholastic Literacy Partnership Member to help support literacy by getting books into the hands of children that need them.”

With its innovative approach to merging literacy and snacking, Dole is raising the bar for corporate social responsibility, making a tangible impact on children's education and well-being.

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