Duda Farm Fresh Foods, along with California Giant Berry Farms, Cal-Organic Farms, Grimmway Farms, and the National Watermelon Promotion Board have teamed up with Sony Pictures Animation, Feeding America, and some of the leading growers in the fresh produce industry for a groundbreaking new campaign in conjunction with the release of the animated comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.

As one of the most notable cause marketing campaigns in fresh produce tied to a major film release, this collaboration will help provide thousands of nutritious meals to families in need, according to a press release.

Sony Pictures Animation will lead the way with a cash donation to Feeding America to kick off the campaign. Participating food growers – including California Giant Berry Farms, Cal-Organic Farms, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Grimmway Farms, and the National Watermelon Promotion Board – will be donating more thn 80,000 pounds of fresh produce to Feeding America’s nationwide network of food banks.

Consumers will have the chance to get involved through specially marked packages of participating produce from these growers. The packaging will feature Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 artwork and a QR code that will link consumers to Cloudy2win.com. Consumers can find useful information – including recipes, information about the film, and how they can help by making a donation to Feeding America.

The campaign comes in time for Hunger Action Month in September, a month that brings together the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks and their 61,000 agencies.

The campaign continues with the specially marked packages of participating produce in stores beginning in July and August, and culminates this September with Hunger Action Month and the release of the film in theaters nationwide on September 27.

“To help impact their present and future health, all children regardless of their circumstances need access to fresh fruits and vegetables. With so many families struggling to make ends meet we feel compelled to help Feeding America by supporting Hunger Action Month and donating fresh fruits and vegetables to their network of food banks,” said Dan Duda, President/Chief Operating Officer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “We are carrying out our family’s 87-year commitment of giving to those in need.”

Commenting on the announcement, George Leon, Executive Vice President, Global Consumer Marketing, said, “With September being Hunger Action Month, we really wanted to find a way to make a difference and use food to do that. Cloudy is a fun adventure film, but ultimately, it’s about an inventor trying to make the world a better place through food. That’s why we’re thrilled by this collaboration – it’s a great way for us to give back and to tie the message of our movie into a wonderful charitable effort.”

“This opportunity is so unique and right in line with our commitment to cause marketing as an integral aspect of our business,” commented Cindy Jewell, Director of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms. “When Sony’s promotion team contacted us, there was no doubt we wanted to be involved. It’s a powerful message to have multiple products in the produce department supporting Feeding America and promoting healthy eating,” she added.

“The National Watermelon Promotion Board is pleased to be working with Sony Pictures to help publicize their upcoming film Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. We feel that this combination of cause-related marketing and retail-oriented promotions aimed at families and children is right in step with the Watermelon Board’s efforts to increase the availability and consumption of healthy, affordable produce,” said Gordon Hunt, Marketing & Communications Director.

“There is no better way to support this cause than to join industry leading companies in an effort to find solutions for domestic hunger,” commented Bob Borda, VP Marketing for Grimmway Farms. “Hunger is an epidemic in this country, but through our efforts, and the efforts of many, we will help bring nourishment to those in need.”

“We had such a great experience with Sony on the first Cloudy film – not only was it a wonderful opportunity to increase awareness of the issue of hunger and support the film, but it was also incredibly successful. So when we found out about the sequel, we were delighted to be included again in an even bigger way. With more than 50 million Americans – including nearly 17 million children – at risk of hunger, the fight for hunger-relief continues. This promotion is a great platform for us to spread the word about Hunger Action Month and put more healthy produce on tables across the nation,” said Leah Ray, VP Corporate Partnerships at Feeding America.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Campaign