Nicole Ari Parker Kicks Off National Blueberry Month
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has encouraged millions of loyal blueberry enthusiasts to grab a boost of blue - and offer a boost to a good cause - during National Blueberry Month. Throughout July, USHBC will give $1 to No Kid Hungry for every social media post in which followers describe how they appreciate blueberries. Each tagged post on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (@blueberries), as well as TikTok (@blueberrycouncil), will help collect up to $50,000, which will be used to serve 500,000 meals to children across the country. Each post also counts as an entry to win a Mood Boost Wellness Package, which includes an Apple Watch Series 7, a $50 VISA® gift card, a Cosori 5-quart Air Fryer, and blueberry snacks.
Actress and producer Nicole Ari Parker presented an immersive event at Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel to commemorate National Blueberry Month and to kick off the challenge. Cocktails, mocktails, and hors d'oeuvres based on blueberries were served during the event, which took place in a garden paradise. The event also included workout activations with celebrity trainer Joey Thurman, as well as meditation and yoga workshops with health and nutrition expert Mascha Davis.
"Blueberries fit perfectly into a healthy lifestyle, especially for busy families. I eat blueberries every day – they're nutritious, delicious and so easy! That's why everyone loves them, said Parker. "I can't wait to see the posts from blueberry fans across the country as they share how they enjoy blueberries for the 31-day challenge. We can all feel good and do good when we grab a boost of blue!"
From coast to coast, blueberries are a thriving crop, and the USBHC helps growers across the country. A minimum of 70,000 pounds of blueberries will be donated by producers to neighborhood groups in observance of National Blueberry Month through No Kid Hungry, ensuring that more children receive a tasty and nourishing boost this summer.
"USHBC is on a journey to make blueberries the world's favorite fruit – and that means helping more people get a boost of blue every day. Everyone deserves to enjoy the delicious taste and nutritious benefits of blueberries," said Kasey Cronquist, President, USHBC. "This July, we're excited to rally blueberry fans and the blueberry industry to support No Kid Hungry. There's no better way to celebrate National Blueberry Month than grabbing a boost of blue and giving a boost to a good cause."
wholesome meals. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as many as 12 million kids in the country live in "food insecure" homes, meaning their families don't have access to enough food to sustain a healthy lifestyle for all members. The school programs that provide lunch and, in many cases, breakfast and supper are relied upon by a large number of kids during the academic year. For children in need, the summer months might be the hungriest of the year since many of these meals are lost when schools are off for the summer.
"We're grateful to partner with the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council to drive awareness about child hunger, deliver healthy blueberries to community organizations and raise funds to feed children across the nation," said Pamela Taylor, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of No Kid Hungry. "Every child should have the three meals a day they need, 365 days a year, and our mission is to ensure they do. Together, we can help make this summer a happy one for kids."
For 31 days of blueberry-inspired activity ideas, health & wellness expert tips and mouthwatering blueberry recipes for summer, visit the National Blueberry Month microsite/website at www.blueberry.org/challenge. And, for year-round access to the latest blueberry hacks, swaps and other delicious inspiration, visit https://blueberry.org.
