TOPS Partners with Produce for Kids to Promote Healthier Eating Habits and Benefit Local Children's Hospitals; New Interactive Club Inspires Families to Get Healthy and Give Hope

PFK has added two exciting elements to the program this year, a noted nutritional expert and an interactive healthy kid's club.

"We are excited about our new partnership with Connie Evers, M.S., R.D., an award-winning author and kids' nutrition authority, who will present creative ways to promote better eating habits to youngsters of all ages," said John Shuman, president of Shuman Produce and founder of PFK. Evers, a parent of three and the author of How to Teach Nutrition to Kids (Publisher - 24 Carrot Press), will appear in select markets throughout the campaign to promote "playing with your food." Making edible objects of art from produce and other perishable foods encourages youngsters to eat more fruits and vegetables while having fun, according to Evers. Her newest book, Good for YOU!, is a nutrition/health book and game geared towards children, ages 6 - 9, which will be released this summer (Disney Publishing).

Also new this year is the PFK Healthy Kids Club, available online May 14 through June 30, 2006, prompting children, as well as parents, to "get healthy and give hope." Recommended activities encourage club members to purchase sponsors' products, create fun recipes and interact with PFK's educational section of the Web site.

Each time a club member completes an activity, their name will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing for a family vacation for four to the winner's choice of sunny Orlando, Fla. (home of Walt Disney World(R), SeaWorld and Universal Studios) or beautiful Williamsburg, Va. Williamsburg offers families lots of fun options, including Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, as well as a taste of America's past at Colonial Williamsburg, the nation's largest outdoor living history museum. The prize package includes a five-day, four-night stay at a local resort, airfare and theme park passes for a family of four. The more kids play, the better their chances to win. Other incentives include a contest for the best recipe.

From May 14 - June 10, TOPS Markets will promote the following sponsors in their 119 stores: Shuman Produce's REALSWEET(R) brand Vidalia Onions; Del Monte Gold (R) Extra Sweet Pineapples in whole and fresh cut forms; T. Marzetti Refrigerated Salad Dressings; Stemilt Growers' Apples; Dole Fresh Packaged Salads; and Chiquita(R) Fresh-Cut Fruit.

Participating sponsors contribute to Children's Miracle Network by making a per-unit donation based on shipments of select items to TOPS Markets. All funds directly benefit Children's Miracle Network hospitals located within the areas served by the participating retailers.

"The PFK campaign combines fun activities and incentives offered through the Healthy Kids Club along with great ideas for making more nutritious meals. The addition of noted nutritionist and author Connie Evers is a real asset. Together these new elements should help us to raise more money," said Jeff Beaulieu, VP of Produce and Floral for TOPS Markets. "TOPS Markets are committed to providing health information to its customers and pleased to give back to the community by supporting local Children's Miracle Network hospitals." More information on Produce for Kids, and a list f participating Children's Miracle Network hospitals, may be found at www.produceforkids.org.