Research shows nothing prepares kids more for going back to school than love and support. That's why Rice Krispies Treats® developed writable wrappers for parents and family members to send their children encouraging messages in their lunch boxes. However, Rice Krispies Treats realized there are over 62,000 children who are blind and low-vision in schools across the United States unable to experience important handwritten notes of support.
Now, Rice Krispies Treats has partnered with the National Federation of the Blind to create the first-ever accessible 'Love Notes' in the form of Braille stickers and re-recordable audio boxes so parents and family members can share messages of love and encouragement with children who are blind or low-vision. This back-to-school season Rice Krispies Treats wants more children to feel the love.
"The National Federation of the Blind is committed to helping parents raise blind children prepared to be confident, happy and productive members of society," said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "As a father of three children, I know that love and support are critical to every child's success. We are delighted to partner with Rice Krispies Treats, which shares our commitment to inclusion and Braille literacy, to make sure blind students can get accessible 'Love Notes' in their lunch boxes this back-to-school season."
The 'Love Notes' Braille stickers are heart-shaped to match the space on Rice Krispies Treats writable wrappers for written notes. Each Braille sticker sheet also includes eight uplifting phrases for parents to share with their children, from "You've Got This" to "Love You Lots."
For children who are auditory learners or don't read Braille, the re-recordable audio box holds a Rice Krispies Treats crispy marshmallow square inside and when opened, plays a 10-second pre-recorded auditory message. The audio box messages can be re-recorded over 1,000 times, offering opportunities to share love and support throughout the entire school year.
"Kellogg as a whole has a larger connection to this cause with W.K. Kellogg having lost his sight for the last decade of his life and continued to work at the company full time for a number of years afterwards," said Jessica Waller, Vice President of Sales and co-chair of Kapable Business/Employee Resource Group at Kellogg. "Inclusion is in our DNA, and is now shared through Rice Krispies Treats 'Love Notes.' Everyone is important, and we want each child to be able to feel loved, supported and acknowledged."
Rice Krispies Treats 'Love Notes' were inspired by Eme Butler-Mitchell, an 11-year-old student who is blind, and spreads love through her beautiful musical talents. Kellogg and Rice Krispies Treats were introduced to Eme by the National Federation of the Blind. Eme's support system - her family, friends, and teachers - now have a way to express their love and encouragement for Eme through Braille and audio messages.
To watch Eme's story and order your own 'Love Notes' at no charge while supplies last, visit ricekrispies.com/lovenotes; and join Rice Krispies Treats in sharing love and support this back-to-school season with the hashtag #SoMuchToLove on social media. Everyone loves ooey, gooey, Snap, Crackle, Pop-ily Rice Krispies Treats crispy marshmallow squares, and now more children can love the messages that come along with them. This school year, love and support is more accessible.
