Chicken of the Sea Partners with America's Second Harvest, the Nation's Food Bank, to Feed Hungry, Educate Consumers.

'Twice a Week for Better Health' Campaign Teaches Consumers Health Benefits of Seafood

SAN DIEGO -- With only 20 percent of Americans consuming the USDA-recommended amount of seafood, Chicken of the Sea and America's Second Harvest are partnering to provide seafood to America's hungry and educate the public about the health benefits it provides.

Chicken of the Sea has kick-started the partnership -- dubbed the Twice a Week for Better Health campaign -- with a financial contribution and has set an overall goal to raise $100,000. In support of that goal, Chicken of the Sea will donate a portion of its sales - up to $30,000 - to America's Second Harvest and its 200 countrywide food banks. Additionally, Chicken of the Sea has asked its employees and business partners to conduct food drives, make financial contributions and volunteer at local food banks.

"This partnership will assist us in achieving our goal of providing highly nutritious sources of protein to hungry Americans," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of America's Second Harvest. "By supporting Chicken of the Sea, consumers will be improving their health, while also helping the nation's hungry meet their dietary needs."

Independent research has proved that seafood is a healthful source of protein and much-needed nutrients. Canned and pouched seafood is safe, low in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories, and is packed with protein, vitamin D and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. As such, the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and USDA guidelines all suggest eating at least two servings of seafood each week.

Chicken of the Sea is also teaming up with Rovenia Brock, Ph.D. - better known as Dr. Ro - a nationally renowned nutritionist and author of the best seller, "Dr. Ro's Ten Secrets to Livin' Healthy." Dr. Ro will serve as the campaign spokeswoman and will lead the charge on educating the public about the ways eating seafood can help Americans lead healthier lives.

"A lot of people are missing out on the health benefits of fish because they are unaware of how healthy it is and how often it should be eaten," said Dr. Ro. "With more than 66 percent of Americans being overweight or obese, and heart disease and diabetes skyrocketing, people can't afford not to eat seafood."

Obesity leads to higher rates of heart disease and diabetes - predominantly found in women of lower-economic status, African Americans and Hispanics. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans and Hispanics have diabetes rates 70 and 100 percent higher, respectively, than other populations. Foods high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, such as seafood, can reduce the disease's effects. Additionally, the Journal of the American Medical Association says eating fish cuts the risk of coronary disease - the largest killer of Americans - by 36 percent.

"Chicken of the Sea is concerned about the health and diet of Americans, especially those of lower-economic status," said John Signorino, president and CEO of Chicken of the Sea. "And, because of its many health benefits, seafood is the perfect tool to help fight obesity and heart disease among all Americans. What's more, we provide quality and convenient shelf-stable seafood that is affordable and accessible."

Research shows that seafood helps protect against heart attack and sudden death, reduces the risk of stroke, decreases blood pressure, and improves circulation.

For more information on the health benefits of seafood, America's Second Harvest and how to help, consumers can visit TwiceAWeekForBetterHealth.com. In addition to purchasing Chicken of the Sea seafood, consumers can also show support by taking the Twice A Week For Better Health Pledge. All pledge-takers will receive the Twice a Week for Better Health Meal Planning Guide, which offers healthy recipes and shopping lists for pledge takers.

A seafood category leader, Chicken of the Sea provides a variety of shelf-stable seafood products, including tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, mackerel and sardines. The Chicken of the Sea brand and famous Mermaid icon are among the most recognized brands in America.

Chicken of the Sea has partnered with Dr. Ro because of her knowledge of nutrition and her commitment to promoting a balanced lifestyle. Dr. Ro will serve as a spokesperson and nutritional adviser to the campaign. She will aid in the company's efforts to inform the public of the health benefits of seafood. Dr. Ro is a nationally renowned nutritionist who holds a doctorate in nutritional sciences with a master's degree in community nutrition and broadcast journalism from Howard University.

America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network -- is the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through its network of more than 200 member food banks, America's Second Harvest annually provides assistance to more than 25 million people in need, including more than 9 million children and nearly 3 million seniors in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each year, America's Second Harvest secures and distributes more than 2 billion pounds of food and grocery products to support feeding programs at approximately 50,000 local charitable agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs and Kids Cafes. To learn more, please visit www.secondharvest.org.