Vanessa Williams Posts the "$25,000 Swap" to Kick Off Charitable Social Media Campaign from SPLENDA Brand

The day’s activities included the launch of the #SweetSwaps charitable social media campaign benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Williams kicked off the campaign by posting a “Swap,” triggering a $25,000 donation from the SPLENDA^® Brand to support the American Diabetes Association. The star shared that this cause is near to her heart because of her family’s history with diabetes, while raising awareness that the disease affects millions of Americans. Currently one in three American adults has prediabetes. Reducing added sugar as part of a healthier lifestyle can help decrease calorie intake, which can help with weight management and in turn decrease risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Now, Williams and the SPLENDA^® Brand are asking consumers to perform a small act to make a big impact by sharing their ideas through the SWEET SWAPS^™ Campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For every SWEET SWAPS^™ Idea posted with #SweetSwaps through April 25, the SPLENDA^® Brand will make a $3.65 contribution to the American Diabetes Association for a total combined donation of up to $50,000.

The SPLENDA^® 365 SWEET SWAPS^™ Initiative extends throughout 2014. The SPLENDA^® Brand is dishing out fresh and unexpected ways to reduce calories from added sugar every day of the year on www.365SweetSwaps.com.

Fast Facts

• A healthy woman should eat no more than six teaspoons, or about 100 calories, of added sugar each day¹
• The average American consumes 355 calories of added sugar daily²
• One in three American adults has prediabetes and are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease³
• One of the most important steps you can take to prevent type 2 diabetes is eat well to achieve and maintain a healthy weight⁴

About McNeil Nutritionals, LLC
McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, is a global marketer of innovative nutritional products. The company’s mission is to give people the ability to actively manage their own health. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, markets SPLENDA^® Sweetener Products, LACTAID^® Milk and Dietary Supplements and BENECOL^® Products. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, is headquartered in Fort Washington, PA.

Media Contact:

Naomi Schoenfeld
LaForce + Stevens
(212) 367-8008
nschoenfeld@lsagency.com

*Vanessa Williams is a paid spokesperson of McNeil Nutritionals, LLC
¹American Heart Association
²American Heart Association
³Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
⁴American Diabetes Association