FISHERS, NY - With stay-at-home mandates rolled out across the United States, several New York apple packers and shippers have donated New York apples to organizations preparing meals for first responders and those in need. The New York Apple Association (NYAA) is joining the cause by donating apples and apple snacks to charitable and food organizations and providing tips and advice on how to prepare them.

“We are hearing from several of our New York apple packers and shippers who are rolling up their sleeves to serve at a time when our nation needs the assistance,” said Cynthia Haskins, President and CEO of New York Apple Association. “So far, there have been enough New York apple donations to fill over three semi-loads. Each apple shipper is working closely with area food banks and other organizations.”

According to a press release, the New York apple industry is helping with the coronavirus pandemic in other ways, too. NYAA recently created a series of fun apple snack videos that the whole family can enjoy during the stay-at-home mandate across the nation.

“Families are cooking meals and snacking at home now more than ever due to the stay-at-home orders,” said Haskins. “We have had significant social media exposure and engagement for our recently created ‘how-to’ entrée and dessert recipe videos. It was natural for us to add fun apple snack recipes so the whole family can get in on the fun.”

Apples are among one of those staple categories that have a long shelf-life. With families staying home more often, NYAA tapped Kelly Springer, Registered Dietitian for the New York Apple Association, to be featured in a series of fun apple snack videos.

“It is important to prepare fun and healthy snacks the family can create together during this stay-at-home time,” said Springer. "Apples are such a versatile fruit, and kids love them. We aim for healthy snacks and include some indulgent treats with modernization in mind.”

In addition, NYAA has shifted media efforts this year by creating content for social media. The association's social media reach included over 55 million consumers since last August and included content like recipes, how-to recipe videos, and a series of videos featuring New York apple growers. This provides retailers with ideas of their own to cross-merchandise in-store.

“We have tripled our consumer exposure this year by focusing on social media,” said Haskins. “Consumers are responding very positively to our How-to recipe videos.”

NYAA is also working behind the scenes to refresh its website and will reveal the new look during the upcoming fall apple harvest. The new videos, as well as other new recipes, will appear on the website.

For more news out of the fresh produce community, keep reading ANUK.

New York Apple Association