DIABETES FOUNDATION, GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO. TEAM UP TO TAKE A HEALTHY BITE OUT OF DIABETES

Jackson– Mixed with a spoonful of compassion and a dash of goodwill, soon Great Harvest Bread Company’s famous bread loaves will do more than satisfy a hungry stomach– their proceeds will benefit the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) and its mission of service to the 346,500 Mississippians with diabetes.

At the third-annual Bread Day on Saturday, Nov. 10, every dollar raised will aid the DFM’s Helping Hands patient assistance program and Camp Kandu, a camp for children with diabetes.

Great Harvest owner Mike Young selected the DFM from a number of applicants because of the widespread need for diabetes testing, education and research in Mississippi.

“It is always an honor working with individuals, like Mike, who genuinely care about making our state a healthier place to live,” said DFM Executive Vice President Mary Fortune. “Due in part to his endless generosity and support, two of our premiere programs– Helping Hands and Camp Kandu– have blossomed into programs with a far-reaching impact on individuals of all ages, providing them with life-saving medical supplies and the knowledge base to manage their diabetes in a proactive and healthy way.”

As Great Harvest’s “Baker for a Day,” the DFM will assist the bakery’s skilled loafers in bread making, kneading, baking, slicing and bagging. Great Harvest– a fresh whole grains bakery using no preservatives– makes a number of breads that fit the dietetic needs of customers with diabetes and others watching their sugar, carbohydrate and fiber intake, said Young.

Great Harvest is located in Colonial Mart off Old Canton Road on Parkway Drive. Orders may be placed in advance by calling 601-956-4406. Bakery hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Mississippians with diabetes ‘knead’ your help,” Fortune said. “So, come out and support the DFM, help raise diabetes awareness and enjoy a delicious and healthy loaf of bread! Bon appetit!”

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) is the state’s only nonprofit health organization that provides diabetes research, information, patient services and advocacy, and its mission is to provide hope through research, programs and service to the 346,500 Mississippians with diabetes. Every dollar raised by the DFM stays in the state to support these efforts. In addition, 90 cents of every dollar raised goes towards the organization’s charitable purposes. The DFM is the one diabetes organization totally dedicated to all Mississippians– from children to seniors– who live with diabetes.

For more information about Bread Day or the DFM’s programs and services, call 601-957-7878 or visit www.msdiabetes.org.