Del Monte Foods Doubles Fundraising Efforts as Returning Presenting Sponsor for the American Heart Association’s 2010 San F...

Del Monte Foods today continues its commitment to healthy diets and active lifestyles as the returning Presenting Sponsor of the American Heart Association’s 2010 San Francisco Start! Heart Walk. By doubling its fundraising commitment and significantly increasing employee participation since 2009, Del Monte continues to expand its support of the annual event focused on the prevention of heart disease and stroke. This year marks Del Monte’s fifth year as a local presenting sponsor of the walk, which brings together more than 10,000 participants and 175 companies in the greater Bay area, raising nearly $3 million for cardiovascular disease research, education and prevention.

“As a long-time champion of healthy diets and active lifestyles, Del Monte is pleased to continue its support of the American Heart Association,” said Richard G. Wolford, Chairman and CEO of Del Monte Foods. “One in three Americans is affected by cardiovascular disease, and the employees of Del Monte are proud to come together, alongside the AHA, to help reduce this significant figure. Additionally, we encourage today’s families – including their pets – to get physical activity and eat well. We offer many delicious and nutritious foods that easily fit into the busy, on-the-go lifestyle so many Americans lead today.”

This year, Del Monte has expanded its participation in the walk, which begins at noon on Friday. Seventy-five percent of employees from Del Monte’s Bay area offices will participate, and the Company will host the #1 Team Tent, which it earned after being named the #1 2009 fundraiser in San Francisco. Additionally, the company will share its nutritious, great-tasting products at its booth starting at 11:30 a.m. at Justin Herman Plaza, where walkers and their pets can enjoy a selection of heart-healthy snacks including Del Monte(R) No Sugar Added Peaches and Del Monte Superfruit(R) premium fruit snacks for people walkers and Milk-Bone(R) dog biscuits and Meow Mix(R) Wholesome Goodness cat food for any pet walkers.

In addition to participating in the Heart Walk, Del Monte is actively involved in several other American Heart Association initiatives, including its Start! Fit Friendly Companies program. Del Monte earned recognition as a 2009-2010 Platinum Start! Fit Friendly Company, a prestigious distinction attainable in the program, which recognizes companies for championing the health of their employees and working to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well-known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded pet products and food products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3.7 billion in net sales in fiscal 2010. With a powerful portfolio of brands, Del Monte products are found in eight out of ten U.S. households. Pet food and pet snacks brands include Meow Mix(R), Kibbles 'n Bits(R), Milk-Bone(R), 9Lives(R), Pup-Peroni(R), Gravy Train(R), Nature's Recipe(R), Canine Carry-Outs(R) and other brand names. Food product brands include Del Monte(R), Contadina(R), S&W(R), College Inn(R) and other brand names. The Company also produces and distributes private label pet products and food products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE:DLM) visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com.

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