Disney Garden Launches Healthy, Character-Themed Food Choices That Put Fruits and Vegetables on Center Stage

A recent study by The Produce For Better Health Foundation shows that 90 percent of consumers do not eat the recommended five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Disney is helping parents get through this challenge with the launch of Disney Garden, an innovative new line of character-themed fruit and vegetable snacks and sides that are kid-tested and conveniently packaged. Disney Garden’s new food products will be unveiled for the first time this week at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Summit in Houston, TX (October 12th - 15th) – an international trade show attended by the produce and floral industry. (Editor’s note: Images available for download at http://dcp.smugmug.com/gallery/2001209/2#206991255) Presented by Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, and with names like Totally Teriyaki Sugar Snap Peas, Sunny Honey Orange Carrot Coins, Threezy Cheezy Broccoli Bites, My Size Minis and Foodles, the new line of Disney Garden selections offers options that are nutritious and fun – at school, home or on the go. All of the products meet Disney's food guidelines which place limits on calories, fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium. "Disney Garden offers delicious combinations of fresh fruits and vegetables with sauces, dips and sides that will get kids excited about eating better. We’ve packaged the line in a colorful way that truly captures Disney’s magical appeal,” said Harry Dolman, executive vice president, Disney Consumer Products, food, health and beauty category. "Parents want healthier options that are easy to prepare and serve, and kids like tasty choices that are fun and appealing. Disney Garden is a win-win solution for today’s busy families.” The new Disney Garden menu includes the following choices, which will be available this fall at leading food retailers in the fresh produce department: Disney Garden Foodles: Nutritious snacks or side dishes that are oodles of fun and easily transportable, with interesting combinations of fruits, vegetables and other sides like dips, raisins, crackers or cheese in a fun, Mickey-shaped tray featuring colorful images of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters. Includes "Build A FoodleDoodle” instructions to help kids create pieces of art with the food, and then eat them! Seven Foodles choices include: Celery, Peanut Butter & Raisins; Carrots, Celery, Tomatoes & Ranch Dip; Carrots, Celery, Pretzels & Cheese Dip; Apples, Cheese & Crackers; Apples, Caramel & Cheese; Apples, Peanut Butter & Raisins; and Apples, Grapes & Cheese. Disney Garden Fresh Veggies & Sauce: Kid-sized cut vegetables with a pouch of sauce specially formulated, tested and approved by children. Parents and caregivers will appreciate that it takes less than 5 minutes to prepare (just cook in microwave, pour sauce and mix) and is available in five different varieties, including Totally Teriyaki Sugar Snap Peas, Sunny Honey Orange Carrot Coins, Threezy Cheezy Broccoli Bites, Lemon Butter Blast Broccoli Bites and Pizzalicious Broccoli Bites (yes, pizza and broccoli, and kid-testers loved it!). Disney Garden Quick Snacks: Fruits and veggies paired with dips, like carrots and light ranch dressing, or celery and peanut butter. Additional lunch box options include fresh veggies and fruits cut and ready to eat in small individual bags. Choose from sliced apples, carrots, celery or sugar snap peas. Simply packaged and easy to open, Disney Garden Quick Snacks offer a healthier alternative to potato chips or French fries at lunchtime and make a great after-school treat. Grocers are also bringing Disney magic and innovation to the produce aisle with My Size Minis – kid-sized fruits in fun, recyclable/reusable totes filled with fresh apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines or oranges. The "Minis” are smaller than their regular-sized counterparts, making them the perfect size for a child. For the Halloween season, Disney Garden will offer Pirates pumpkins with large collectible stickers, plus carving ideas available for download on the Disney Garden website (www.disneygarden.com). For more information, parents, kids and caregivers can visit www.disneygarden.com. The website offers activities, games and reward certificates designed to educate kids about healthier eating. Media can visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com press room area for images and additional information. About Disney Garden Disney Consumer Products and its licensee Imagination Farms have developed the Disney Garden product line with the goal of increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables among children; they work with a number of world-class growers and shippers committed to quality and food safety. Every package of produce packed with the Disney Garden label meets rigorous quality standards that make it a fresh and wholesome product for children. About Disney Consumer Products Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home décor and books and magazines to interactive games, food and beverages, stationery, electronics and animation art. This is accomplished through the work of DCP's various lines of business: Disney Toys, Disney Apparel, Disney Food, Health & Beauty, Disney Home, Disney Stationery, Disney Publishing, Disney Interactive Studios, Baby Einstein, and www.disneyshopping.com. The Disney Store, which debuted in 1987, also falls under DCP, through stores currently owned and operated by unaffiliated third parties under licensing agreements in North America and Japan, and wholly-owned stores in Europe. For more information, please visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com.