• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, 10 hours ago

It’s been a brutal year for America’s national parks, and Stonyfield Organic Yogurt wants to help.

The specially packaged yogurt tubes, aimed at kids, will generate a $300,000 donation to the National Park Foundation. Stonyfield Organic is teaming up with the foundation to create new yogurt tubes featuring some of the country’s most beloved parks, hoping to raise awareness during the popular summer months.

Stonyfield says the partnership builds on its ongoing commitment to connect families with nature.

“We are a brand that cares so much about the planet and the future of our resources,” says Kristina Drociak, director of public relations and digital strategy. “That often means we focus on our farming perspective, keeping pesticides out of waterways and supporting agricultural practices that reduce climate change. But we also believe nature needs to be protected as well, and national parks are where kids and families learn to love nature.”

The effort is centered on packaging for Stonyfield’s eight-count yogurt tubes. Artwork highlights Acadia National Park, the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, along with a QR code linking to park-themed stickers for kids’ water bottles.

Marketing support includes social media and an email campaign.

Drociak says the goal is to sell more yogurt tubes while encouraging kids to be ambassadors for nature, “and build a natural connection to our brand story.” She adds that yogurt tubes often get a sales boost in summer, when families freeze them to enjoy as yogurt ice pops.

Last year, national parks welcomed a record 331 million visitors, up 6 million from 2023. But the National Parks Conservation Association reports that the system’s ability to serve those visitors has been hurt by federal workforce cuts. Since January, when President Donald Trump took office, the National Park Service’s 20,000-person staff has shrunk by 13%, the result of cost-cutting efforts that have sparked widespread criticism. That frustration has fueled the popularity of so-called “Alt park” social media accounts, where advocates highlight the impact of the layoffs and call for better support of the parks.

Stonyfield Organic is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and is owned by the Lactalis Group, a French dairy company.

The brand hopes that with each tube, it’s helping kids build a taste for both yogurt — and advocacy.