September 2019 has been a big one for the mushroom industry – from the annual National Mushroom Month activations to the announcement of the James Beard Foundation Blended Burger Project finalists -- and the Mushroom Council has one more exciting announcement. Whole Kids Foundation is the latest organization to partner with the Mushroom Council to promote The Blend in an effort to improve children’s nutrition and to help families make healthier choices.

Along with Whole Kids Foundation, teen chef and MasterChef Junior finalist, Evan Robinson is sharing his favorite ways to blend mushrooms and meat with two new recipes: Blended Mushroom Nachos and “Evanated” Pizza Burgers. The recipes, along with videos, are featured on Whole Kids Foundation’s website as well as Whole Kids Foundation, Mushroom Council and Blenditarian social media channels.

“Mushrooms are an exceptionally kid-friendly food! Blending mushrooms into dishes is a great way to boost protein and fiber and add flavor. We believe in engaging children’s curiosity – and what better to do that than with a food that is a FUNGUS?  Just the word is fun to say,” said Nona Evans, President and Executive Director of Whole Kids Foundation. “We’re grateful that the Mushroom Council is supportive of finding clever ways to work these health supportive fungi into family meals!”

The Mushroom Council chose to work with Whole Kids Foundation because of its united belief that supporting schools and inspiring families improves children’s nutrition and wellness. In addition, given the right opportunities, kids will get excited about fresh vegetables, whole grains and other nutritious whole foods.

In addition to September being National Mushroom Month, it’s also host to Whole Kids Foundation’s Growing Healthy Kids Campaign to raise funds and build awareness about improving nutritious food programs at K-12 schools in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. that are working to create a deeper connection between kids and food. Whole Kids Foundation provides grants to fund school gardens, salad bars and educational beehives. Shoppers at any Whole Foods Market can get involved by making donations at store checkouts or online at wholekidsfoundation.org. Because Whole Foods Market covers all of the foundation’s operational costs, 100 percent of every dollar directly supports Whole Kids Foundation programs.

About Whole Kids Foundation^®
Whole Kids Foundation supports schools and inspires families to improve children’s nutrition and wellness.  Founded by Whole Foods Market in 2011, the independent, nonprofit organization is based in Austin, Texas and serves schools and organizations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.  For more information on the Foundation’s school programs including school gardens, salad bars, bee hives and nutrition education for teachers, visit wholekidsfoundation.org. For more information, visit wholekidsfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Kids Foundation on Facebook or Twitter at @WholeKidsFnd.

About The Mushroom Council
The Mushroom Council is composed of fresh market producers or importers who average more than 500,000 pounds of mushrooms produced or imported annually. The mushroom program is authorized by the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990 and is administered by the Mushroom Council under the supervision of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Research and promotion programs help to expand, maintain and develop markets for individual agricultural commodities in the United States and abroad. These industry self-help programs are requested and funded by the industry groups that they serve. For more information, visit mushroomcouncil.com.

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Contact:
Kim Bedwell
916-996-4569
kim@flmharvest.com

Whole Foods Market Foundation

Whole Foods Market Foundation

Whole Foods Market Foundation works to nourish people and the planet by helping to advance economic opportunities, nutrition, and healthy food access in local and global communities. Founded by Whole Foods Market, the registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Austin, Texas, encompasses the projects of Whole Planet, Whole Kids and Whole Cities.  

WHOLE PLANET 
Alleviates poverty through microcredit in communities around the globe.
Wholeplanetfoundation.org

WHOLE KIDS 
Dedicated to improving children’s health and wellness through their nutrition. 
Wholekidsfoundation.org

WHOLE CITIES 
Improves individual and community health through collaborative partnerships, education, and broader access to nutritious food. 
Wholecitiesfoundation.org

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