Organic meats processor Applegate, Bridgewater, N.J., says new Applegate HALF TIME, is the first lunch kit featuring natural and organic ingredients.

Available nationwide at food retailers such as Target, BJ’s and Safeway, Applegate HALF TIME combines three of the leading brands in the natural and organic channel: Applegate (natural and organic meats and cheeses), Stonyfield (organic yogurt) and Annie’s (organic fruit snacks and crackers) into one convenient kit.

“Our survey showed that parents love the convenience of pre–packed lunch kits, but not necessarily the ingredients,” says Neil Leinwand, Applegate senior vice president of marketing.

He says 88% of parents surveyed* said they thought pre–packed lunch kits were convenient, while 79% said they were concerned about the nitrates, preservatives and artificial ingredients in those kits.

“With HALF TIME, parents don’t have to compromise between convenience and quality because we’re combining the three trusted natural and organic brands that are already in their refrigerators and pantries,” says Leinwand.

Applegate HALF TIME comes in three varieties, Turkey & Cheese, Ham & Cheese, and Bologna & Cheese. HALF TIME has a suggested retail price of $4.99, and all kits include: Applegate Naturals meats, which have no artificial ingredients or preservatives and are antibiotic free; Applegate American cheese; made with no added hormones; Stonyfield YoKids Squeezers Strawberry Organic Lowfat Yogurt, and Annie’s Homegrown Buttery Rich Crackers. Each kit also contains either Annie’s Bunny Graham Friends or Annie’s Organic Berry Patch Fruit Snacks.

Applegate produces natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese and frozen products.

*Survey Methodology

 Applegate conducted a survey using Tolun’s On–line Omnibus; interviews were completed on June 26 through June 30, 2014. The base sample of 2,103 respondents is representative of U.S. adults aged 18+ and is balanced on three key demographics: age, sex, and region of the U.S. From the base sample of U.S. adults the survey screened 752 parents and 500 parents that pack school lunches for their children.