StarKist(R) and Charlie(R) the Tuna Team Up With the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women to Fight Heart Disease
February is National Heart Health Month and Del Monte Foods (NYSE: DLM) today announces that its StarKist® tuna brand is partnering with the American Heart Association to support the Go Red For Women movement. A cause that is close to the StarKist brand and Charlie® the Tuna’s heart — research studies have shown that tuna is a heart-healthy food and is naturally high in Omega-3 fatty acids and contains less than half the saturated fat and cholesterol of beef, pork or chicken.
During the month of February, StarKist will donate 10 cents to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement for every pouch of tuna sold. This heart-felt effort could raise up to $350,000 to support the fight against heart disease.
“Del Monte and StarKist are committed to nourishing families and enriching lives every day and we are excited to team up with the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement in the fight against heart disease,” said Geoff Tanner, StarKist, Senior Brand Manager. “With today’s busy lifestyles, it is important for people to have heart-healthy food choices that are convenient and great tasting. StarKist’s easy-to-open and no-drain flavor fresh pouch not only provides a convenient way for consumers to boost their heart health, but now is also fresher tasting than canned tuna, giving consumers another reason to improve their health.”
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the U.S. Approximately one in three deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease and an estimated 80 million people in the U.S. have one or more types of cardiovascular disease.
The Omega-3 fatty acids found in tuna have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, making it an ideal food for heart health. Tuna also contains less than half the saturated fat and cholesterol of beef, pork and even chicken.
“We are grateful to have StarKist and Charlie the Tuna partnering with us in the fight against heart disease,” said American Heart Association Chairman of the Board, Gary L. Ellis. “Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America. With help from brands like StarKist, Go Red For Women is able to mobilize women, men, celebrities, healthcare providers and politicians to embrace and elevate the cause of women and heart disease.”
Reel In the Heart Healthy Benefits of Tuna
The American Heart Association advises adults and children ages two and over to eat at least two servings of fish a week, but most Americans eat less than half that amount. Several varieties of fish are excellent sources of lean protein, B Vitamins, Niacin, Selenium and Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients play a key role in helping your body build red blood cells, reduce the risk of heart disease and macular degeneration, and promote brain growth — especially in children.
StarKist® offers the most complete line of tuna products available, and each product has the quality that has made StarKist the leading brand with consumers. Following are two simple ways to reel in the heart-health benefits of tuna:
Power-Up Your Lunch: For a light lunch, mix together StarKist pouch tuna, carrots, basil and a dash of Italian dressing and serve on a bed of lettuce and tomato in a whole grain wrap.
Add Some Sizzle to Your Salad: Combine a can of black beans, Del Monte® Organic Corn and StarKist® Pouch Tuna. Serve on a bed of lettuce and add a sprinkle of low-fat cheddar cheese for a healthy, Southwest-style tuna salad.
To learn more about the complete line of StarKist products, as well as recipe ideas and nutrition information, visit www.StarKist.com. To learn more about the American Heart Association Go Red For Woman movement, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.
About Go Red For Women
Since 2004, Go Red For Women has captured the energy, passion, and intelligence of women to work collectively to wipe out heart disease – the No. 1 killer of women. Today, we want millions of women across America to take heart disease personally. Using the simple platform “Love Your Heart,” Go Red For Women engages these women — and the men who love them — to embrace the cause. Healthcare providers, celebrities, and politicians also elevate the cause and spread the word about women and heart disease. For more information about Go Red for Women, please call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit GoRedForWomen.org.
About StarKist Seafood
StarKist Seafood, a division of Del Monte Foods, is the leading producer of canned tuna and the category leader in innovation. StarKist represents a 65-year tradition of quality, innovation and consumer trust. StarKist was the first to introduce the revolutionary Flavor Fresh Pouch®, as well as a dolphin-safe policy.
About Del Monte Foods
Del Monte Foods is one of the country’s largest and most well known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating more than $3.4 billion in net sales in fiscal 2007. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte®, StarKist®, S&W®, Contadina®, College Inn®, Meow Mix®, Kibbles ‘n Bits®, 9Lives®, Milk-Bone®, Pup-Peroni®, Meaty Bone®, Snausages® and Pounce®, Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten U.S. households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE:DLM) visit the Company’s website at www.delmonte.com.
Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day.™