TIME: We're always looking for a few good spears to help out with outreach, event planning and donations. Purple Asparagus is seeking the following volunteers:

• Volunteers to help with analyzing recipes. For every Nutritious Delicious Adventures classroom session, we distribute recipes with a nutritional analysis of the snack of the day. We are looking for a volunteer with a background in nutrition or dietetics to help calculate nutritional values for some of our most popular snacks.
• Like to blog? We've got a brand new one and we're always looking for guest voices. 

 

Our goal is to turn no school away, and with your support we can make this happen! Be sure to check your company's corporate giving policy - many employers match funds donated - and remember that all monetary gifts are 100% tax deductible.

 

If you are interested in volunteering or donating to Purple Asparagus, send us a note at info@purpleasparagus.com. 

 

 

Applegate is an organic and natural meat company founded in 1987, and a special friend to Purple Asparagus. The organization recently donated $2,500 to Purple Asparagus in support of its mission to teach children across the Chicagoland area to enjoy food that's healthy for the planet and their bodies.

 

All Applegate products are made from animals that were humanely raised and never administered hormones or antibiotics, and contain no added casein, fillers or preservatives. Headquartered in New Jersey, Applegate works with nearly 1,000 family farms to offer great-tasting choices from trusted production practices. Its distribution includes Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Safeway and Kroger, and continues to grow each year. Be sure to look at the website for product locator and allergen search tools. 

 

"Our mission is to change the meat America eats," says Gina Asoudegan, Director of Communications, "One important way we do that is by supporting organizations, like Purple Asparagus, that align with our mission."

 

To learn more about Applegate, click here.

You may like us, but have you really "liked us?" (On Facebook, that is.)

If so, you've surely seen the talent of Purple Asparagus' social media coordinator, Veronica Katz. Having worked with Purple Asparagus for more than a year, Veronica makes sure we get our fair share of social media buzz on Facebook and Twitter

Based out of Norridge, Veronica has a public relations and advertising background she brings to the social media table. After recently becoming more mindful about her eating habits and lifestyle, she wanted to volunteer her time with an organization that was aligned with her values.

"I like helping to get the word out about what we do, and how it all works together to make for a better community," said Veronica.
Her favorite part of the gig? When a post on Facebook gets "liked," of course. Veronica also enjoys interacting with folks who have similar values about food and health. She has also gotten out to the classroom for several Delicious Nutritious Adventures lessons, where she assisted teaching children about herbs like thyme, sage and rosemary.

"Even though it is fun when I go in the classroom, on the other hand it's a challenge," said Veronica. "I can relate to the kids, because at one point I loved my candy bars, chips, etc. But the programs are really in tune with what kids like and what appeals to them."

When she's not helping out Purple Asparagus, Veronica enjoys creative writing, reading stories and learning to play the guitar.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/purpleaspchi or on Twitter @purpleaspchi. Stay tuned for a Google+ page, which is in the works.