Opal Apple charity seeking youths’ grant applications

FirstFruits Marketing, the grower of the Opal apple, is seeking applications from youth-led nonprofit organizations to benefit from Opal sales as part of the Youth Make a Difference initiative, a campaign designed to provide financial support to causes led by youth ages 6-25.

For the sixth year, FirstFruits Marketing will donate to youth-led initiatives addressing food security, nutrition, agriculture, food politics or food education. Non-profit organizations and school-based entities can apply for funding, totaling up to $75,000, at www.opalapples.com now until Feb. 15. The program has granted more than $300,000 since its inception.

“We are honored to support youth organizations across the country through our Youth Make A Difference initiative as we are inspired by youth-led organizations,” said Joe Vargas of FirstFruits Marketing. “This campaign aims to inspire the next generation to make a lasting impact in their communities. We’re excited to see what they are able to do to address some of today’s most significant issues such as hunger and healthy eating, food politics, and the importance of community service.”

FirstFruits will evaluate all 2019 Youth Make a Difference applicants against a set of criteria before posting finalists at opalapples.com. Beginning April 12, consumers are invited to visit the website and vote for their favorite initiatives. In July, FirstFruits plans to award funding to multiple youth-led charities based on consumer votes and consistency with criteria. The criteria, nomination guidelines, and funding details can be found at http://www.opalapples.com/youth-make-a-difference/.

Opal apples are grown only in Washington. This Golden Delicious-Topaz cross apple variety was introduced by FirstFruits Marketing in 2010. UEB 32642 variety apples are grown exclusively in Washington and distributed under the OPAL brand name by FirstFruits Marketing in North America.