Lance Sandwich Crackers to support JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes

Lance® Sandwich Crackers is partnering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to support the organization's efforts to find better treatments and a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can strike at any age, in which the body is unable to produce the insulin needed to turn food into energy.  People with the disease must test their blood sugar and administer multiple insulin injections every day to stay alive. They are susceptible to devastating complications such as kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

Lance® Sandwich Crackers, part of the Snyder's-Lance, Inc. family, announced today a partnership to be a signature sponsor of the JDRF 2011–2012 Walk to Cure Diabetes in five cities: Charlotte, Boston, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Cleveland. Walk sponsorship benefits include corporate recognition on walk related materials and on-site product sampling.

"We are excited to partner with JDRF to raise awareness and funding for an issue that is important to our consumers," said Claude O'Connor, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Snyder's-Lance, Inc. "Giving back to our communities is a big part of our corporate culture, and we hope to continue this partnership in the future to help donate more to diabetes research."

"The Walk to Cure Diabetes is JDRF's largest fundraiser and we are excited to partner with Lance to help the events thrive nationally this season," said Yvonne Miller, National Director of Corporate Relations for JDRF. "Lance has been a great partner in Charlotte; they were recently honored at the 2010 Hope Gala and have provided local sponsorships throughout the years. Our expanded partnership on a national level will help tremendously in our efforts to raise more awareness for type 1 diabetes."

As many as 3 million Americans have type 1 diabetes. Each year, more than 15,000 children and teenagers, and 15,000 adults are diagnosed with the disease. Over 500,000 people from corporations, schools, and families across the country participate at this family-friendly event to raise critical funds for diabetes research. Last year, JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes raised $86 million to fund research for diabetes and its complications.  

Lance® Sandwich Crackers are available in 19 varieties, including whole grain, 100-calorie, and reduced fat options. The sandwich cracker varieties are made with freshly-baked, crispy crackers and real peanut butter or real cheese filling. The company prides itself on being in the know with nutritional considerations of moms and other consumers, which is why Lance® Sandwich Crackers have 0 grams trans fat, no preservatives, and no high fructose corn syrup.