EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Robinson Fresh® has announced that its MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon Watermelon program has donated $1 million to breast cancer research organizations since its inception.

“Donations like those on behalf of the MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon Watermelon program play a critical role in the development of major advances in the fight against breast cancer,” said David Egan, Co-Executive Director at Susan G. Komen® Minnesota. “The contributions are used to increase early detection and effective treatment, fund additional research, and ultimately create a world with more breast cancer survivors.”

According to a press release, Robinson Fresh began the MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon Watermelon program in 2007 to educate consumers about the nutritious benefits of watermelon.  The American Cancer Society says that watermelon is a significant source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant shown to reduce certain types of cancer.

Every October, Robinson Fresh presents its donations to breast cancer research organizations selected by the participating retailers.  This year, the program will donate $173,000 on behalf of over 20 retailers.

“Thanks to the generous donations to Mills Breast Cancer Institute, I and many other breast cancer patients have benefitted from the cancer support groups,” said Renaé Strawbridge, a patient at Urbana, Illinois-based Mills Breast Cancer Institute. “As a 12-year survivor, my focus now is to give back by helping others have a successful journey through this disease and treatment process.”

With each watermelon purchase, a donation is made to breast cancer research, education and support initiatives. To find out more about the MelonUp!® Pink Ribbon Watermelon program please visit the program’s Tumblr, Instagram, and Facebook pages.

Congratulations on the great success of this program!

Robinson Fresh