Del Monte Foods Partners with Alliance for Kids' Nutrition in San Diego Amid Rising Food Costs

Affordable Nutrition Initiative in San Diego

In an inspiring initiative to improve children's health and nutrition, Del Monte Foods has teamed up with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The recent event held at Field Elementary School in San Diego heralded their shared mission through the "Nourishing Families by Nourishing Schools" program. This partnership aims to provide affordable and nutritious food options to families amid the continually rising food costs, ensuring children receive the nourishment essential for their growth and academic success.

The celebration took place on April 18 during the school's Family Friday assembly, where Del Monte organized an engaging cooking demonstration featuring their canned fruit. The goal was not only to show how affordable healthier food can be but also to engage families in the process, making healthy eating an accessible option for everyone.

America's Healthiest Schools recognizes educational institutions that excel in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being among students, staff, and families. Field Elementary's acknowledgment in this program highlights the importance of initiatives fostering nutritious food access. Del Monte proudly supports the Improving Nutrition and Food Access categories within this program, aligning perfectly with their Growers of Good® commitment to enhancing youth and community health across the nation.

During the assembly, representatives from both organizations congratulated Field Elementary School for their commendable achievement and prepared a delicious, family-friendly snack using Del Monte® canned fruit. Attendees were also provided with valuable nutrition resources, recipe cards available in both English and Spanish, as well as samples of Del Monte® canned products to take home. This not only illustrated an immediate way to incorporate nutritious meals at home but also empowered families to make healthier choices.

Kathy Higgins, CEO of Healthier Generation, emphasized the significance of addressing children's health and nutrition needs for optimal learning. She remarked, “Children learn best when their health and nutrition needs are taken care of.” Through collaborative efforts with Del Monte Foods, Healthier Generation is working to ensure millions of children receive essential nutrients necessary for thriving in academic settings and beyond.

Del Monte Foods has made substantial strides through its partnership with Healthier Generation, reaching approximately 11.4 million children and their families in over 13,000 schools. Their recent student taste test event in Pittsburgh allowed kids to sample healthy recipes using Del Monte® products and provide feedback—fostering an interactive approach to nutrition.

Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of Del Monte Foods, expressed pride in supporting school-based nutrition programs that positively impact children's health and academic performance. He noted, "Field Elementary shines as a great example of a school that's offering nutritious options that help students thrive, both academically and physically."

The event at Field Elementary also served to celebrate other schools nationwide participating in the America’s Healthiest Schools initiative, as applications for the 2025 awards closed on April 15. The winners will be announced this coming fall, showcasing the continuous commitment to improving school nutrition across the country.

For more insights into Del Monte Foods and Healthier Generation’s initiative and to find kid-friendly snack ideas alongside easy dinner recipes, visit Healthier Generation's site.

About Del Monte Foods

With a rich legacy spanning over 138 years, Del Monte Foods is dedicated to nourishing families with quality food products sourced from the earth. The company is driven by innovation to provide nutritious and delicious foods that ensure accessibility for consumers. Their extensive portfolio includes beloved brands like Del Monte®, Contadina®, and College Inn®. Del Monte Foods aims to offer great-tasting options for everyone, centered around responsible sourcing and production for a healthier tomorrow.