Natural and organic meat specialist Applegate is partnering with an anti-hunger organization on a fall deli meat promotion.

Applegate, a Hormel Foods brand, will provide more than 500,000 meals to children in need through the No Kid Hungry campaign.

Through the promotion, Applegate hopes to bring higher-quality deli meat to kids in need. In a study conducted by Applegate, the company found that nearly half of parents who pack lunches for their kids have thought, ‘I wouldn’t eat this.’ A similar number say they wouldn’t describe their kids’ lunches as ‘healthy.’

"Applegate is committed to making clean, crave-able food available to everyone, including those in need," says Nicole Glenn, Applegate’s vice president of marketing.  "We're proud to be partnering with No Kid Hungry and supporting their efforts to end childhood hunger.  All families and children deserve access to nourishing foods, and through this partnership we can help deliver just that."

In July, Applegate announced it was removing carrageenan from its products, enhancing its deli ham varieties and introducing a new packaging design. Changes are beginning now and will continue throughout the year.