Chip company, Red Cross partner for treats to donors

Those who donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross can get a little reward for their efforts — one with real bite.

That’s thanks to a partnership between the Red Cross and Deep River Snacks, headquartered in the state. Deep River Snacks is donating $150,000 worth of potato chips and salty snacks to be provided at all fixed blood drive locations across the United States.

Health care professionals recommend that individuals eat a snack and hydrate immediately after donating blood, so the savory treats are welcome.

“We are so thankful for this new partnership with Deep River Snacks,” said Mario Bruno, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region in a news release.

“Their contribution not only provides snacks to help refuel our generous volunteer blood and platelet donors, but it shows an immense amount of support and appreciation and the Red Cross truly values the relationship.”

This is not the first time Deep River Snacks has supported the Red Cross.

In fall 2017, Deep River Snacks donated more than $95,000 worth of salty snacks to support relief efforts during the California wildfires.

Each year, more than 2.8 million people donate blood through the Red Cross, helping to provide about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply to patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.