Eden Prairie, MN, Thursday, Sept. 1 — A sweet way to stay healthy got a little sweeter this summer. C.H. Robinson’s Pink Ribbon Watermelon program will donate $230,000 on behalf of retailers nationwide to breast cancer research organizations this year, doubling the program’s donation total since 2008.
The Pink Ribbon Watermelon program allows retailers to participate in a comprehensive program that includes consistent supply, in-store support and a cause-marketing component. The results of the program have led to increased sales for retailers and greater donations.
“The Pink Ribbon Watermelon program has been meaningful to retailers, through increased category sales, and consumers, through education and positively supporting their communities,” said Drew Schwartzhoff, director of produce marketing at C.H. Robinson. “As a leader in the watermelon category, we’re excited to see such a positive response.”
Including this year’s donation, the Pink Ribbon Watermelon program has donated over $460,000 on behalf of participating retailers to non-profit organizations focused on breast cancer research and prevention throughout the United States. One of the non-profit organizations is Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in Minnesota.
“With the funds raised from the program, we’re able to fund critically important breast cancer research, screening, treatment and education programs in the community. We’re honored to be the beneficiary of such a great program,” said David Egan, co-executive director of the Minnesota Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
Watermelon is fat free and is a source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. According to the American Institute of Cancer, studies have shown that a cup and a half of watermelon contains about 9 to 13 milligrams of lycopene, on average about 40 percent more lycopene than raw tomatoes. The U.S. Department of Health stated that many scientists have found that diets high in lycopene correlates with reduced incidence of certain types of cancer.
