DES HAGUE ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF SPROUT CARES

New community initiative from Potandon Produce and RäFoods will champion Living Nutrition, literacy and healthier lives across North America

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Des Hague, Chief Executive Officer of Potandon Produce and RäFoods, today announced the official launch of Sprout Cares, a new community initiative developed through the companies' Living Nutrition Fund to support nutrition, literacy, education and healthier communities.

John Rota, Chief Marketing Officer of Potandon Produce and RäFoods, said Sprout Cares will support programs across North America, including communities where the companies grow, market, and sell their fresh potatoes, onions, and other nutritious food products.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to extending the companies' Living Nutrition philosophy beyond the products they bring to market. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups, Sprout Cares aims to create meaningful opportunities for children and families while promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.

"Our goal is to champion the importance of Living Nutrition and literacy," said Des Hague, CEO of Potandon Produce and RäFoods. "We believe our responsibility is to nourish and educate our youth while providing healthy food options that support HealthSpan and vitality for all. Sprout Cares allows us to put those values into action and make a positive difference in the communities we serve."

"We currently have a program rolling out with Read Ahead in New York, along with several more initiatives being developed in Idaho and other communities where we work and live," said John Rota, Chief Marketing Officer of Potandon Produce and RäFoods. "Sprout Cares is about bringing people and organizations together around a shared purpose. We have an opportunity to use our brands, our relationships and our resources to support programs that can make a real difference."

Among the initiative's early efforts is a developing partnership with Read Ahead, a New York City nonprofit dedicated to helping elementary school students strengthen literacy skills, build confidence and develop meaningful relationships through reading-based mentoring.

Additional programs are being developed in Idaho, where Potandon Produce maintains a significant presence, and in other communities connected to the companies' operations and retail partnerships.

Sprout Cares will focus on initiatives that support childhood literacy, nutrition education, access to healthier food options, and community well-being. The program will also seek opportunities to collaborate with employees, growers, retailers, and nonprofit organizations that share its mission.

Potandon Produce, the exclusive marketer of Green Giant Fresh potatoes and onions, and RäFoods, a food technology company redefining Living Nutrition, bring complementary expertise and resources to the initiative. Together, they aim to build a community platform that connects their commitment to fresh, nutritious food with a broader mission of improving lives.

As Sprout Cares expands, the companies will continue identifying organizations and community programs where their support can have a meaningful and lasting impact.

Organizations, community leaders, and individuals interested in participating or exploring partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact John Rota at [email protected].

Let's do some good.

About Potandon Produce

Potandon Produce is a leading marketer of fresh potatoes and onions and the exclusive marketer of Green Giant Fresh potatoes and onions. Through its extensive network of growers, retail partners, and distribution capabilities, Potandon is committed to delivering high-quality fresh produce to consumers across North America.

About RäFoods

RäFoods is a food technology company redefining Living Nutrition through innovation in fresh, functional foods. Its Wild About Sprouts brand features fresh, living sprouts grown using patented COLD-GROWN® technology, offering consumers convenient, nutrient-rich food options designed to support healthier lifestyles.

About Sprout Cares

Sprout Cares is a community initiative of Potandon Produce and RäFoods, developed to advance Living Nutrition, literacy, education, and healthier communities. Through charitable partnerships and community engagement, Sprout Cares seeks to nourish minds, encourage healthier lives, and create lasting positive change.

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SOURCE Potandon Produce LLC, exclusive marketer of Green Giant Fresh® potatoes and onions