Carrington Kicks Off "Tea Party" for Needy NJ Residents

First “Pennies Per Cup” Campaign Launches to Benefit State Food Pantries

Paramus, NJ, February 2009 -- Carrington Co. LLC, the leader in quality tea at an affordable price, today announced its first Pennies Per Cup campaign to benefit food pantries – and consumers’ wallets – across New Jersey. The campaign, which runs from February 1 to March 31, will benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) and other member food banks of the national organization, Feeding America.

For every 100 boxes of tea purchased in New Jersey, Carrington Tea will donate 100 cups of the natural, comforting tea to CFBNJ. Available at most supermarkets and mass merchandisers (see caption), Carrington Tea retails, literally, for only pennies per cup, making it an affordable way to warm up anyone’s day during this cold – and economically difficult – winter season.

"We're just one company, but through the Pennies Per Cup campaign, we want to invite the other 720 food companies* in New Jersey to step up their contributions, as many New Jerseyans are facing a difficult 2009,” said Carrington CEO David Eben. “It’s all about our community, and each of us has something to contribute. We want to lend a cup of cheer and comfort to those who need it most. Pennies Per Cup offers a way for New Jersey consumers to enjoy specialty tea while giving back to the community.”

CFBNJ estimates a 30 percent increase in requests for food in 2009 versus this time last year. CFBNJ supplies more than 1500 food pantries, schools, soup kitchens and homeless shelters in 18 of 21 counties across the state from its 280,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Hillside, N.J., and its 28,000 sq. ft. facility in Egg Harbor Township.

“We receive regular donations, but New Jersey continues to need food and financial contributions from companies of all sizes,” said Tim Vogel, director of food sourcing at CFBNJ. “Many donations, even small ones, can be made through local pantries and make a huge difference.”

Now in its 10th year, Carrington (www.carringtontea.com) has become the value leader throughout much of the nation by providing quality tea at an affordable price. Eben notes that hot tea can be calming and comforting. "Drinking hot tea on a cold day can soothe and relax the whole body. It is especially restorative when a person is sick, and green tea offers healthful benefits and is a great source of antioxidants."

To make a donation, visit FeedingAmerica.org and locate your nearest food bank by zip code. Companies making product donations should contact food banks first about donation requirements. Cash donations are also encouraged as food banks purchase perishables in quantity on a regular basis to keep inventories fresh.

Carrington is known for its affordable range of teas including: green teas (mint, lemon and ginseng flavors, original and organic/decaffeinated), naturally caffeine-free chamomile and peppermint, and flavorful black teas. All Carrington teas are 100% natural with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Look for Carrington Tea at supermarkets and mass merchandisers including Foodtown, Kings, Thriftway, Shop & Bag, Pathmark, Shop-Rite and Wal-mart SuperCenters.