Press Release Apr 19, 2022

Nature Valley Recognized by National Parks Conservation Association with National Park Defender Award

NPCA awards Nature Valley for years-long commitment to national park protection.

WASHINGTON, D.C. April 20, 2022 — Today, in recognition of their longstanding support of national park protection, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is naming Nature Valley the recipient of its second annual National Park Defender award. The news comes during National Park Week, an annual celebration that invites people to learn about, celebrate and visit America’s more than 420 national park sites.

Established to recognize NPCA’s corporate partners in park protection, the award celebrates the significant role these partnerships play in furthering NPCA’s mission to preserve parks for future generations. With a mission to make nature’s energy accessible to all, Nature Valley exemplifies the spirit of the award, contributing more than $4 million since 2009, serving as NPCA’s longest standing corporate partner.

“Nature Valley is beyond proud to receive this award from NPCA. In partnership with many, Nature Valley is able to support programs that help bring people together for meaningful experiences outdoors,” said Emily Thomas, president of General Mills snacks operating unit. “We believe it’s critical to protect and preserve the outdoors so that all communities can get out there and experience the benefits and the beauty of national parks. We look forward to continuing to partner and lead in this space for many years to come.”

Throughout the partnership, Nature Valley has supported a myriad of NPCA’s programmatic work from the removal of obstructive fencing near Yellowstone to protect migration patterns of endangered pronghorn, to coral reef restoration in Biscayne National Park and trail preservation along the Appalachian Trail – all while inspiring and empowering consumers to explore public lands and become park advocates. Most recently, Nature Valley and NPCA collaborated on a campaign to support the advancement of the next generation of park advocates, funding projects and resources designed and led by NPCA’s Next Generation Advisory Council generating greater access to our parks.

“It takes a community to protect our national parks, from individual advocates to committed brands who want to put their passions into action,” said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. “Nature Valley is one of those brands. We are so proud to name Nature Valley this year’s recipient of our National Park Defender award. Their more than decade of work with National Parks Conservation Association to protect America’s landscapes, history and culture is helping to ensure our parks are supported now, and for decades to come.”

To learn more about NPCA’s annual National Park Defender award, please visit here, and to learn more about NPCA and Nature Valley’s partnership, please visit here.

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About National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.

About General Mills: General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to drive shareholder value by boldly building its brands, relentlessly innovating, unleashing its scale and being a force for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names such as Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills generated fiscal 2021 net sales of U.S. $18.1 billion. In addition, the company’s share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1.1 billion.

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