Record-Breaking Year Leads to $50 Million for U.S. Schools Through Box Tops for Education

Minneapolis, Minn., June 8, 2009 — U.S. schools ended a record-breaking 2008-2009 year by redeeming a staggering $50.6 million in Box Tops coupons, an increase of 19 percent from last school year. The achievement gives school supporters 300 million reasons to celebrate as Box Tops for Education announced today that parents, teachers and community members have reached a new milestone, earning $300 million to support education since the popular fundraising program's launch in 1996. The cash earned through the program helps fill gaps in school budgets, funding essential items such as computers, books, supplies and uniforms.

"By doing simple, everyday activities like grocery shopping, dedicated school supporters feel good about making a significant difference in America's classrooms - to the tune of three billion Box Tops coupons," said Brian Peters, director of Box Tops for Education. "As more consumers watch their dollars, Box Tops for Education is helping parents support their child's education without spending extra money."

School earnings through Box Tops for Education reached a school-year high of $50.6 million as schools clipped more Box Tops coupons and 3,400 new schools participated in the program. In the 2008-2009 school year, each of the more than 69,000 participating K-8 schools earned an average of approximately $733, up from last year's average of roughly $614.

School supporters can clip Box Tops coupons, valued at 10 cents, from hundreds of General Mills, SC Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, Pactiv, Nestle, and Avery Dennison products, including Cheerios®, Pillsbury®, Yoplait®, Ziploc®, Kleenex®, Huggies®, Hefty®, Juicy Juice®, Hi-Liter®, and more. Consumers can earn more cash by shopping online at major retailers such as Target, Best Buy, JCPenney and Barnes & Noble through the Box Tops MarketplaceSM and Reading RoomSM, where a percentage of qualifying purchases is donated back to their school. Through Box Tops for Education, schools can earn up to $60,000 each year, or up to $20,000 from each of the three program components. Additionally, Box Tops runs various promotions, including sweepstakes, contests, Bonus Box Tops offers and more.