Middleborough, Mass.-based, agricultural cooperative Ocean Spray, in partnership with actor, director and cookbook author Jesse Tyler Ferguson, launched the hashtag #BetterTogether initiative in support of the national campaign No Kid Hungry.

The #BetterTogether campaign will offer inspiring holiday recipes, as well as provide nutritious and delicious “thank you” packages to school staff across the country, who serve our students, the cooperative says.

"Teachers and school staff have overcome many obstacles to keep kids learning and engaged during the past year. This harvest and holiday season, we're proud to partner with No Kid Hungry and thank these heroic school communities that have been there for our children during an extraordinarily trying time," said Tom Hayes, CEO of Ocean Spray, in a statement. "Ocean Spray's #BetterTogether initiative is a way to express our deepest gratitude and support No Kid Hungry in providing millions of healthy meals to kids."

Ferguson will join Ocean Spray to help package up the "thank you" care packages with No Kid Hungry at an Ocean Spray farmer's cranberry bog to kick off #BetterTogether, starting with 50 schools. Together, Ocean Spray invites everyone to visit www.OceanSpray.com/bettertogether to nominate a school to receive a special message from Ferguson and a care package from Ocean Spray, the cooperative adds. 

Additionally, in time for holiday celebrations and spending time together with loved ones, Ferguson will launch recipes with Ocean Spray and share social media inspiration throughout the season.

"As we come out of the last 18 months, the promise of being able to finally spend time with loved ones is so wonderful, we are better together," said Ferguson, in a statement. "As a new dad, I'm so proud to partner with Ocean Spray to thank the school staff feeding our children by providing delicious and nutritious packages as part of the Ocean Spray #BetterTogether initiative supporting No Kid Hungry this holiday season."

Diana Hovey, senior vice president at Share Our Strength, the organization behind No Kid Hungry added: “No Kid Hungry helps to provide meals to children by working with schools and local programs across the country to ensure all kids get access to three healthy meals a day. The pandemic continues to impact hungry children everywhere and we are grateful to come together with Ocean Spray this year to give back to kids and families in need."