CHARLOTTE, N.C.  — Dole Food Co. is helping Americans get 2022 off to a healthier, more active start by becoming the presenting sponsor of Get Fit for No Kid Hungry, an influencer-based health and wellness fundraising initiative designed to rally the nation’s top fitness, wellness and nutrition experts to host fitness livestream “classes” throughout January.

In doing so, Dole will inspire kids and families to get fit and give back as they donate to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America, according to the company.

As the Get Fit for No Kid Hungry presenting sponsor, Dole will champion influencers hosting livestream workout, nutrition and mindfulness sessions throughout January to build awareness of the increase in childhood hunger since COVID-19, with the ultimate goal of raising funds to Support No Kid Hungry’s work to ensure that every child in America has access to the healthy food they need to thrive.

“Dole believes everyone should be eating fresh produce to prolong health. Knowing that one in six kids in the U.S. could experience hunger this year due to the prolonged effects of the pandemic, Dole is moved to use its platform in partnership with No Kid Hungry to address the crisis,” said William Goldfield, Dole’s director of corporate communications. “We know the role that fitness plays in a healthy lifestyle, and the importance of establishing healthier habits in 2022 after the past several challenging years from a mental health, nutrition and exercise standpoint. Get Fit for No Kid Hungry addresses all of that and makes it easy for the public to participate. We’re excited to help get the word out.”

Dole’s sponsorship of Get Fit for No Kid Hungry is part of a larger month of activities that encourage its followers and the public to start 2022 off on the right foot. Elements include nutrition- and fitness-related tips from Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s nutrition and health communications manager, and dual-branded social, web, email and PR activities throughout January.

Active in the health and wellness blogger and influencer space since 2009, Dole recruited some of the key Get Fit for No Kid Hungry influencers participating in the program including The Parentologist’s Dr. Kim and wellbeing coach and author Jason Williams.

Dole also created its own dedicated Get Fit for No Kid Hungry fundraising page and is encouraging its millions of social media followers, employees, customers, Dole Nutrition News e-newsletter subscribers, growers, retailers and other industry partners to contribute to the effort.