New York Apple Group Donates To American Cancer Society

The New York apple industry has donated $20,000 to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and $5,000 to the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, bringing the industry’s total contributions to fight cancer while raising awareness of apples’ cancer-fighting potential to $322,457 since 2000.

In March, New York apple growers teamed up for a tenth year with participating retailers to increase cancer awareness, promoting the healthy profile of New York state apples in the process. Organized annually by the New York Apple Association (NYAA), this year 34 retailers teamed up with New York apple growers to encourage shoppers to “Buy New York State Apples and Help Beat Cancer” at 2,155 stores across Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Participating retailers displayed signage of pink ribbon-bedecked apples on in-store displays of the state’s top varieties, and highlighted the program in advertising. Meanwhile, NYAA promoted editorial coverage of the program to both consumer and trade press.

“On behalf of the American Cancer Society, I would like to thank the apple growers and retailers who made this year’s in-store promotion such a success. This promotion not only raises funds to support our work to eliminate cancer, it also also raises awareness of the importance of making healthy food choices for yourself and your family,” said ACS Eastern Division Regional Vice President Lisa Smith. Smith accepted the $20,000 donation on May 31 from NYAA Marketing Director Molly B. Golden.

NYAA has also donated $5,000 to support the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation’s work to eliminate cancer through research and advocacy. Syracuse University’s legendary Hall of Fame basketball coach and his wife established the foundation.
“ACS and the Jim and Julie Boeheim Foundation are doing important work to fight cancer in our area, and we are proud to put the healthy profile of New York state apples behind these causes,” said NYAA President Jim Allen.

From 2000-2011, NYAA has also donated $97,457 to ACS’s Central New York region from proceeds on fall sales of New York state apples, cider, and other apple products at the New York State Fair. These donations bring the New York apple industry’s total donations to all ACS programs to $322,457.

“We have a long-term commitment to the health of New York apple growers and consumers alike,” said NYAA’s Allen.

Retailers participating in this year’s ACS retail promotion included (in alphabetical order): A&P, Acme Markets, AIM, Bravo, C-Town, D’Agostinos, Fairway Foods, Food Emporium, Foodtown, Grand Union, Gristedes, IGA’s, Key Foods, King Kullen, Kings, Magruders, Market Basket, Mars Supermarkets, Nice & Easy, Pathmark, Price Chopper, Roche Brothers, Shop n Bag, Shoppers Food Warehouse, Shop Rite, Shurfine Markets, Sparkle Markets, Superfresh, Thriftway, Tops, Waldbaums, Western Beef, and Wegmans.

The donation follows a partnership earlier this year between apple growers and retailers to increase cancer awareness and the health benefits of apples.