In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Land O’Frost, one of the nation’s best-selling brands of pre-sliced, pre-packaged lunchmeats and a producer of specialty sausage products, today announced the results of its annual commitment to fighting type 1 diabetes (T1D) through a longtime partnership with JDRF. In 2014, the company and its employees provided more than $100,000 in funding to the organization and 360 hours of support through volunteering, fundraising activities and walks.

This year, more than 300 Land O’Frost employees covered over 1,176 miles at JDRF Walks to Cure Diabetes in Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas and Nebraska, and raised a combined total of about $33,500. On October 5, the company’s executive team led more than 150 Land O’Frost team members in a Chicago-area walk. This year, the Land O’Frost team was joined by the Mears family of Grand Haven, Michigan. After Beth Mears, whose son battles against T1D, read about the company’s commitment to JDRF on the back of her lunchmeat package, she contacted Land O’Frost to express her appreciation. President and CEO David Van Eekeren invited the Mears family to join the company in Chicago for the walk.

“The Land O’Frost family is deeply dedicated to JDRF’s mission and we were lucky to have the opportunity to meet the Mears family – a real example of the impact our partnership and others like it can have,” said David Van Eekeren. “We are proud of this year’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for improved treatment and an ultimate cure for T1D and look forward to continuing our work in the year ahead.”  

Land O’Frost has supported JDRF and its mission to make the lives of those living with T1D healthier, easier and safer since 2008 and announced its first multi-year corporate partnership in 2011. Since 2009, the company and its employees have raised nearly $500,000 and committed over 2,500 hours of support for JDRF through fundraisers, walks and various campaigns and promotions.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to convert food into energy. T1D strikes both children and adults, and lasts a lifetime. T1D is not brought on by diet or lifestyle and it cannot be prevented.  A recent national study found that T1D increased by 21 percent in youth up to age 19 from 2001 to 2009, and almost 3 million people in the U.S. are living with T1D.

“Land O’Frost and JDRF have formed a meaningful partnership over the years, characterized by enthusiasm and commitment,” said Patrick Reedy, Upper Midwest Regional Director, JDRF. “Their ongoing support enables us to further strengthen the impact we can collectively have on individuals managing life with T1D.”

Land O’Frost has taken a proactive approach to its partnership with JDRF, creating and participating in numerous activities. In the past six years, employees have held bake sales, cupcake wars, bean bag tournaments and a “pie in the face” day, as well as donated five dollars to the cause in exchange for casual dress days. In addition, employees sold items such as handmade crocheted pieces and framed photos to personally raise additional funds for JDRF. In 2011, Land O’Frost implemented an SMS campaign called “Pound It Out”, raising $50,000 through on-pack promotion, text-in donations and social media engagement.

For more information about Land O’Frost community involvement, including its partnership with JDRF, please visit www.landofrost.com/community-involvement. For more information about T1D and the JDRF organization please visit www.jdrf.org.

Source: Land O’Frost