Donate.

Photo courtesy of Tuxton China.

Organizations devoted to finding a cure are tickled pink to receive donations and there are already a handful of food service industry vendors pledging to contribute.  Borges USA-Star Fine Foods, for example, announced that they will be donating $60,000 this year to Susan G. Komen®, one of the most recognized nonprofits dedicated to ending breast cancer, regardless of sales.  Being a manufacturer of olive oil, the company is an extra fitting contributor as well since studies have shown diets rich in extra virgin olive oil may help prevent breast cancer. Tuxton China has also shown its support by partnering with The Breast Cancer Charities of America and launching its Tuxton Cares campaign this month.  The company plans to donate a percentage of their total October sales to the non-profit.   “With the support of our customers, Tuxton hopes to demonstrate the impact we can make when we unite for a powerful cause,” says Tuxton’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Charlie Tsai.

On the flip side, rather than donating earnings, many are choosing to shop for a cause.  Look for items that are “pink” and support breast cancer awareness, or dine at restaurants that participate in donating, raising funds, or spreading awareness.

Pink Products.

Pink packaging for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo courtesy of Borges USA.

The more pink the better! Offering pink packaging or pink foods actively reminds others to think pink. You’ll see restaurants with pink place settings or dishes featuring pink ingredients.  It’s just one way to get customers excited about being a part of the cause.  Restaurants can also go as far as to feature special dishes containing ingredients that can help lower your risk of breast cancer.  Studies have often favored the Mediterranean diet for its health benefits.  Typically it consists of lots of olive oil, fruits, and vegetables, and a little cheese, nuts, and fish.  Pink packaging is helpful as well.  Borges USA-Star Fine Foods has changed the retail packaging for a handful of its products this month to pink to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It’s eye catching and encourages customers to make purchases to support the cause or feel good about purchases they already had planned to make.  It also simply serves as a reminder.  So whether you are supplying or ordering these creative pink specials, you’ll be supporting the cause.

Participate.

Participating in an event, fundraiser, or volunteering for the cause not only helps to raise money and awareness, but it is a great way to educate too.  Spending time interacting with others garners many opportunities to speak about the facts of the disease and will generate a better understanding of the purpose of this month.  And while not every company or restaurant can manage to contribute to the month as much as others, even participating internally with the people around you in the office can make a difference.  So grab your coworkers, friends, and family and get signed up for the next walk, screening or fundraising event in your area.

Spread the Word.

Whether it’s sharing a pink recipe, mentioning Breast Cancer Awareness month on social media, or simply talking to the people around you (friends, family, customers, coworkers) about the importance of the cause, reminding others to think pink is one of the simplest ways to support.  One restaurant in Connecticut has come up with a creative approach to help spread the word: Café Atlantique, located in the city of Milford, encourages customers to write colorful notes of care and awareness on the café’s windows.  The purpose being to inspire people to take pride in taking care of their own health, think about how the disease affects others, and take action to support the cause themselves.

Have you gone pink? How are you showing your support?

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