DENVER--The Healthy MR. POTATO HEAD character took to the road this spring, visiting elementary schools and retail outlets to extend the potato nutrition message. The United States Potato Board brought the costumed character to schools in Sacramento, St. Louis and Harrisburg, PA, for "Potato Power Rockin' Recess" assemblies, touting the health benefits of a fit and active lifestyle combined with a balanced diet...one that includes America's Favorite Vegetable.
"This is the second year this assembly program proved to be a great hook for TV and radio-even live coverage," said Linda McCashion, USPB Vice President, Public Relations. "Healthy MR. POTATO HEAD, Radio Disney and gyms full of elementary school children, all excited about nutrition and fitness and dancing the Potato Power Dance.it's a recipe for success."
McCashion explained the ongoing partnership with Radio Disney proved invaluable. Two high-energy, Radio Disney on-stage personalities toured with Healthy MR. POTATO HEAD, perfecting the script and performance. Prior to the assemblies, commercials on Radio Disney stations featured the American icon, as well as nutrition messages, which enticed several retailers to take interest in the program.
In Sacramento, the local ABC and FOX affiliates filmed at the schools. Three network affiliates in St. Louis - CBS, NBC, and FOX - featured the Healthy MR. POTATO HEAD segment as part of anchor banter in-studio or sent cameras to capture footage of the school assembly to air during the evening news.
In the pursuit of "linkage," the USPB coordinated three store appearances with the assistance of local retailers. That's why, although breaking news prevented TV crews in Harrisburg from attending the school assembly, all was not lost--coverage of the Giant Store kids' tour on the local CBS affiliate featured the HMPH costumed character along with healthy lifestyle messaging. The USPB thanks Raley's (Sacramento), Schnuck's (St. Louis) and Giant Food Stores (Harrisburg) for tying-in with the USPB to promote potatoes during the assembly tour dates.