Inspired by Simba’s coming-of-age hero’s journey in the all-new Disney’s The Lion King, Dole is living up to its leadership mantle by rolling out a multitude of fun and easy ways for parents to empower their kids and families to create a healthier summer leading up to the blockbuster film’s July 19 release.

Dole’s latest chapter of its “Powering the Hero Within” (#PoweringTheHeroWithin) healthy-living initiative is focused on the idea of “No-Worry Nutrition” to help everyday heroes realize their calling to encourage their own families toward better nutrition especially a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

The summer-long initiative launched May 23, which was National Eat More Fruit and Vegetables Day, with a Serengeti-wide schedule of original themed recipes, expert nutrition tips, social and digital executions, blogger partnerships and another interactive surprise to be announced later this summer.

For most shoppers, the highlight will be images of Simba, Nala, Rifiki, Zazu, Timon, Pumbaa and other characters from Disney’s The Lion King on millions of Dole bananas and pineapples in U.S. and Canadian supermarkets starting June 2.

“For millions of Millennials, Simba’s quest of self-discovery as he becomes king of the pride in Disney’s The Lion King was a natural part of family life and growing up,” said William Goldfield, director of communications for Dole Fresh Fruit. “Now that these original fans have prides of their own, and a deeper passion for healthier living, we are honored to partner with them on the occasion of the reimagined classic to make their health and wellness goals a worry-free reality.”

“Of course, what also comes with age is the simple realization that life’s real heroes aren’t just found in outer space or in the jungles of Africa, but at the dinner table fighting for healthier families. Dole seeks to empower these moms, dads, grandparents, coaches and others battling for a more nutritious world.”

Highlights of the May 23-Sept. 2 campaign include:

• Twenty wild new Dole recipes inspired by Disney’s The Lion King, including seven “dad-friendly” dishes in honor of Father’s Day on June 16 and the iconic father-son themes of Disney’s The Lion King film.
• “No-Worry Nutrition” tips from Dole’s resident RD, Melanie Marcus. The company’s nutrition and health communications manager has created a series of healthy living and eating tips inspired by Disney’s The Lion King, including easy cooking and recipe-prep ideas specifically for dads.
• Ferociously fun social, digital and influencer executions. Dole will offer myriad ways for multigenerational fans to engage through a series of fun digital and social executions beginning June 2. The fresh produce leader is also partnering with top-tier family, health and fitness bloggers and social influencers to host Disney’s The Lion King-themed contests, recipe-development initiatives and other programs.
• One additional interactive surprise for fans of Dole, Disney and Disney’s The Lion King. Details will be announced in June.