Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Teams with Carl Buddig & Company To Support Literacy Efforts Nationwide

Online, May 4, 2011 (Newswire.com) - To help nourish young minds, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and Carl Buddig & Company are launching the Be A Reader campaign to raise a minimum $100,000 donation for children's literacy programs. The new partnership celebrates the joy of reading and will raise funds through an on-pack promotion featured on specially marked packages of Buddig lunchmeat products.

Be A Reader kicks off during Children's Book Week (May 2-8, 2011) with award-winning author/illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the popular Lunch Lady book series.

"As an author I know first-hand how important reading is to providing kids the foundation they need for all learning, and that starts by developing a passion for books at an early age," said Jarrett Krosoczka. "Be A Reader will provide free books and needed literacy resources to thousands of deserving children who need them the most."

"Our brand has been nourishing young minds for more than 100 years, and we believe that reading and literacy go hand-in-hand with good nutrition to support a life-long love of learning," said Tom Buddig, executive vice president marketing, Carl Buddig & Company.

"We're proud to embark on this new partnership with RIF and to award this donation to benefit children's literacy and motivate families to read together."

In addition to book ownership, motivating children and families to read through community involvement are cornerstones of RIF. Be A Reader will encourage children and families to read by promoting fun recreational activities fostering early childhood literacy development.

Throughout the yearlong Be A Reader campaign, RIF and Buddig will host local reading celebration events and book distributions to provide free books and literacy resources to young children who rarely experience the thrill of owning their own books.

"Now more than ever, RIF is counting on strong corporate partners like Carl Buddig & Company to fulfill its mission of motivating children to become lifelong readers prepared to achieve in school and life," said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "Be A Reader gives parents and children several ways to discover the joy of reading through engaging learning activities that make reading a fun part of everyday life."

As part of the Be A Reader campaign, this summer parents and children will have the opportunity to read a book together online and share an essay about their experience for a chance to win scholarships and other prizes. This fall families can participate in a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Scholastic book library and more. No purchase is required to participate in either promotion.

To learn more about the Be A Reader campaign, participate in reading activities or to make a donation, visit www.RIF.org or www.Buddig.com.

About Carl Buddig & Company:
Carl Buddig & Company, based in Homewood, Ill., has been nourishing young minds for more than 100 years with the very best in taste, variety and convenience. Now Buddig is nourishing young minds as a proud supporter of Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Carl Buddig & Company is a family-owned, privately held company managed by the third generation of the original founder. The Buddig family business got its start as a butcher shop on Chicago's south side in the 1880s. Since 1940 Carl Buddig & Company has offered thin-sliced lean meats for sandwiches, snacks and special recipes. Visit www.buddig.com for more information about Carl Buddig products.

About Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF):
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at www.rif.org.

Discover the Joy!

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