Here's the press release from Earth Fare:

Earth Fare is pleased to announce the launch of The Friends of Earth Fare Foundation. This nonprofit, charitable organization will provide children across the Southeast and Midwest with access to healthy food choices and activity through partnerships with local non-profits, schools and community initiatives. The goal of the new foundation is to inspire and build a community of healthy and active kids by funding programs that focus on providing all-natural, healthy food options or that reinforce an active lifestyle.

Over the past 6 months, the Friends of Earth Fare Foundation is responsible for more than $50,000 in grants to organizations including:

· Aspire, Youth and Family in Clyde, NC to support their Kids at Work! afterschool cooking program that teaches healthy eating habits and kitchen skills.

· The Rotary Foundation of Johnson City, TN to help support the construction of their Boundless public playground project.

· So Dance Scholarship Fund in Asheville, NC to offer more than 20 local at-risk kids the chance to follow their passion to learn classical dance.

· Murray Lassaine Elementary School in James Island, SC to support their Seedlings – Farm to Table for Kids program and school garden that teaches students the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Earth Fare’s commitment to fighting childhood obesity began four years ago with the launch of its signature Family Dinner Night, where up to six kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal of $5 or more at any of its 29 locations. Over the past four years, Earth Fare has fed more than 500,000 kids a healthy all-natural meal for free.

Organizations that are committed to providing education or access to healthy food options to kids can apply for a grant (up to $5,000) to support their local initiative. Criteria for applying and applications are available at http://www.earthfare.com/beinspired/friendsofearthfarefoundation.aspx.

On April 13, to celebrate the launch of the Friends of Earth Fare Foundation, the Asheville-based healthy supermarket will host the Friends of Earth Fare 5K and Fun Run at Riverlink’s Sculpture Park, Asheville, NC. The race is open to all ages. Early registration for the race is $20 per adult and $5 for kids. More information about the race can be found at earthfare.com/friends5k. All proceeds will go to benefit the Friends of Earth Fare Foundation.